Bank Robbery Suspect Nabbed Wearing Jars Filled With Gasoline, Shrapnel
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The man accused of holding up a North Side bank Wednesday afternoon with a homemade bomb said he was sorry while being transferred to the Allegheny County Jail hours after his arrest.
Nathaniel Washington, 36, of the North Side, told KDKA-TV: "I'm being falsely accused. I apologize for this. I apologize to my family, they shouldn't be seeing this."
According to police, however, Washington walked into the First Niagara Bank, in the 4000-block of Perrysville Avenue making threats and demanding money.
He put the money in a book bag, but was arrested a short time later. Police say he got away with $3,500.
Lt. Kevin Kraus said Washington had two devises in his coat pockets.
"From what we understand, he personally made both devices," Lt. Kraus said. "They looked like baby food jars packed with what appeared to be gasoline, clay, ginger, some type of shrapnel. And they were real and appeared to be ready to be ignited if he elected to do so."
According to police, authorities found a knife in Washington's right sock when he was taken into custody.
No one was hurt in the robbery.
Washington's girlfriend, who lived with him off Perrysville Avenue, broke down in tears when she learned about his arrest.
His landlord, Bill Grupp, said he saw Washington leaving his apartment Wednesday wearing jeans, a shirt and a jacket, and carrying a book bag.
The FBI and Homeland Security are also investigating.
All the money taken in the holdup has been recovered.
RELATED LINKS:
More North Side News
More Local News
