Police: Turquoise Socks Help Police Track Down Suspected Bank Robber
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police took a suspect into custody shortly after a bank robbery Friday afternoon in the city's Oakland section, and they say it was a unique choice in footwear, turquoise socks and black sandals, that helped them identify him.
Pittsburgh Police have identified the suspect as 34-year-old Vincent Reich of Aliquippa.
Patricia Johnson was in her company car watching, and then got out her cell phone when she realized what was going on.
"He wasn't quick enough, just wasn't quick enough," said Patricia Johnson, a witness. "He was ducking and dodging, trying to get away from them and they were on him so quick."
Police were called to the Citizens Bank in the 3700-block of Fifth Avenue in Oakland around 12:30 p.m. According to police, Reich handed the teller a note, and then fled on foot with an undetermined amount of money.
"Quite a substantial amount of cash was in the bag a cop was carrying," said Johson.
With the help of University of Pittsburgh Police, officers managed to track down the suspect, right in front of the Pitt Police Station on Forbes Avenue.
"A cop car come flying this way in front of my vehicle, blocked me in, and jumped out, and they tackled him right here in the street," said Johnson.
He was in custody a short time after the robbery, around 12:50 p.m.
Reich was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, jean shorts and black sandals with the turquoise socks.
"It was exciting. I was like, 'Wow, you just don't see things like that,' you just don't," said Johnson. "This is something you see on TV, not in front of your vehicle."
A source believes Reich stopped in about three or four banks before he allegedly robbed Citizens Bank.
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