Watch CBS News

Search Continues For Man Who Wore Ball Gown During Staten Island Bank Heist

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The search continues for a suspect who police say wore a ball gown while holding up a bank on Staten Island.

Police said the man robbed the Santander Bank at 81 Water St. on Staten Island on Tuesday while wearing a silver and black dress along with heels, a hat, and sunglasses.

Sources told CBS2's Scott Rapoport  the suspect pulled out a silver handgun during the heist, yelling, "give me the money and hurry up about it," before taking an undetermined amount of cash.

"Life is hard. Everyone's trying to make a living, and some just do it the stupid way," Eddie Diaz said.

Video from nearby convenience store King Deli of the Island later shows the suspect ditching the dress and running off in shorts, blue and white Nike Jordan sneakers, and no shirt.

Suliman Aldalaim, a deli employee, says he bewildered.

"He starts changing clothes. I say why you do that in here? He said he got to a fight with his girlfriend and he had to run away from her because she called the police for him," Aldalaim said.

Gown wearing SI bank robbery suspect
Gown wearing SI bank robbery suspect (Credit: FBI)

A spokesperson for Santander Bank said the establishment was "grateful that no customers or any of our colleagues were injured as a result of the robbery."

The bank declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.

"Usually when you hear about the bank robbery they have a ski mask thing," one local resident said. "But a dress...that's really crazy."

The man is believed to be about 5' 8" to 5' 10" tall about 175 lbs, and may have scarring around his mouth. He did not appear to have any visible tattoos, police said.

The FBI and the NYPD Joint Violent Crime Task Force says the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI New York Office at (212) 384-5000 or the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward in the case.

 

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.