Cops Seek Bandit For 4 Bank Heists

Surveillance camera images of the suspect wanted in connection with four recent bank heists in Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst and Forest Hills. The alleged thief who took cash from banks in Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst and Forest Hills in a series of recent holdups remains at large, according to police.

Law enforcement sources have released images captured by surveillance cameras of the suspect, who is described as an African-American male in his 30s and 40s.

During one of the heists, authorities said, the perpetrator was observed wearing a long beige overcoat, blue jeans, a light colored shirt and a tie.

In each of the capers, police noted, the bandit entered the bank and demanded cash from a teller upon arriving at the counter. After obtaining an undetermined amount of currency, it was noted, the suspect fled from the scene on foot.

Reportedly, the first robbery in the pattern occurred on Friday, Nov. 21 at a Chase branch located at 37- 29 Junction Blvd. in Corona.

More than a week later, law enforcement sources said, the crook struck again at a Bank of America branch located at 107-26 71st Ave. in Forest Hills on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Two days passed before the bandit surfaced again in Astoria, police said, as he swiped cash on Thursday, Dec. 4 from a Citibank branch located at 25-91 Steinway St.

The most recent caper, authorities noted, occurred in East Elmhurst at around 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, when the crook took money from a HSBC location at 35-48 Junction Blvd.

An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the NYPD Major Case Squad and the Joint Bank Robbery Task Force, it was noted.

Anyone with any information regarding the pattern or the suspect's whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or send a text message to 274637, followed by the code "TIP577."

All calls and messages will be kept confidential.