Watch CBS News

Long Island Man Accused In 2 Bank Robberies In 1 Day

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island man has been arrested in connection with two bank robberies in just one day.

According to Suffolk County police, 53-year-old Clenzo Thompson first tried to rob a Bank of America in Central Islip before robbing a TD Bank in East Islip Wednesday afternoon.

Thompson, of Central Islip, allegedly took a taxi to the Bank of America on Wheeler Road around 2:40 p.m.

When he went inside, police said Thompson gave the teller a note demanding cash. The teller did not comply with the demand and Thompson fled in a waiting cab, police said.

Thompson then asked the cab driver to take him to the TD Bank on Main Street, police said. Again Thompson gave the teller a note demanding cash, but this time the teller complied.

Police said Thompson then fled the bank in the waiting cab.

Officers responding to the first bank robbery were able to identify the cab company and locate the cab believed to be the getaway vehicle via GPS signal.

The cab company provided officers with the taxi's location and the officers were able to arrest Thompson at around 3:05 p.m., police said.

Authorities believe the cab driver was unaware of the crimes, saying Thompson stated he was having a problem with his accounts at the two banks.

Thompson, who is currently on parole for robbing a cab driver in Medford in 2008, has also been convicted of robbing banks in New York City and Suffolk County.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.