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Funniest. Police. Spokesmen. Ever!

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 12:37 am
by KBCraig
Tale of a bank robbery, from the New Hampshire Union Leader:

Leafy robber hits bank branch

By BENJAMIN KEPPLE
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff

MANCHESTER – Police were beating the bushes last night for a man who, with tree branches duct-taped to his head and torso in an apparent attempt at camouflage, robbed the Citizens Bank branch at 1550 Elm St. yesterday morning.

Police said no weapon was shown and no one was hurt during the robbery, which happened about 9 a.m.

The bank, situated just north of downtown at the corner of Elm and West Brook streets, was closed as city and state police investigated the incident. Police cruisers blocked off the entrances to the bank, and state police dogs were sent to the scene to do what they do best: sniff out trees.

This bank surveillance image shows the robber at left, with tree branches duct-taped to his head and body, leaving the Citizens Bank branch at 1550 Elm St. yesterday morning.

Image

"Basically, someone came into the bank right at opening time, demanded money, and then they left," said Manchester Police Detective Sgt. Ernie Goodno.

Goodno said the robber was a white man, standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a thin build and very dark hair. He wore a bluish-colored T-shirt, possibly with red trim, and blue jeans. He also had thick glasses, Goodno said.

Then there was the foliage. "He had tree branches duct-taped on his person, as if he was trying to camouflage himself in the woods," Goodno said.

Apparently he didn't realize there are no more elm trees on Elm Street.

Despite his indiscreet getup, the robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash -- and all his leaves intact.

The police investigation attracted the attention of several curious onlookers both outside the branch and driving along Elm Street, as well as a few bank customers who had hoped to make transactions.

Images of the robber on bank cameras were of little help, said Capt. Richard Tracy. "You can't see much, except for the leaves around his head," Tracy said last night. "There are no leads yet. But we're trying to pick him up in time for recycling."

:rolll

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:21 am
by phddan
"There are no leads yet. But we're trying to pick him up in time for recycling."

:grin:

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:28 am
by propellerhead
Could he be related to this guy I saw at a range recently?

Image

Yes, he was for real. With plastic plants on his hat and rifle.

:lol:

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 9:50 am
by phddan
I think that chrome dome would give him away real quick!!! :razz:

Dan

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 10:35 am
by CHL/LEO
Thank goodness you had a photo. If you would have told the story and described what had happened most people wouldn't have believed you.

It's a good thing I wasn't operating that gun range. If someone outfitted like that showed up to shoot I would send him on his way.

Too bad he wasn't shooting rapid fire strings. Then the plastic plants would have melted onto his barrel...

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:56 pm
by Liberty
CHL/LEO wrote:Thank goodness you had a photo. If you would have told the story and described what had happened most people wouldn't have believed you.

It's a good thing I wasn't operating that gun range. If someone outfitted like that showed up to shoot I would send him on his way.
Just curious, why would you kick him out?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:29 pm
by austin
If I had to bet, based on his tats, gloves, and ear plugs, I'd say he was ex military.

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:43 pm
by pbandjelly
or just wishes he was. :lol:

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:07 pm
by KRM45
austin wrote:If I had to bet, based on his tats, gloves, and ear plugs, I'd say he was ex military.
Throw in the military issue T-shirt with the sleves cut off and I'd have to agree. :cool:

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:22 am
by XDandy
Ex-military or not, its a little over the top. I'm not even sure if I'd feel comfortable standing next to this guy at the range while wondering about his current mental state. Still though, glad you got the picture, ha.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:21 am
by austin
Looks like he is having fun.

As long as there is no pink flamingo downrange, I'd say go say hi to him next time.

A very good friend of mine lost a bet last Fall and had to wear a dress. If you did not know the whole story, his pic might be here, too.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:26 am
by CHL/LEO
Just curious, why would you kick him out?
XDandy pretty well answers that...
Ex-military or not, its a little over the top. I'm not even sure if I'd feel comfortable standing next to this guy at the range while wondering about his current mental state.
It's mainly because of what the other range users would think.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 11:32 am
by stevie_d_64
Looks like another fashion statement needs to be made at the next PSC Day...

Camoflage - A discussion in duality...

Urban to Rural?

Cover or Deception?

Some people are not as deceived as others... :lol:

Is the gun culture going "green"??? :smilelol5:

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 2:59 pm
by Jeremae
I'm sorry but unless he "acted" inappropriately (unsafe gun handling, intimmedating others, etc) just what does his appearance have to do with "Sending Him on His Way"?

Ever been to a CAS match or a SCA event?

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:11 pm
by Wildscar
I dont think I would have sent him away either. Some say Im a big scary guy that makes kids cry just by looking at them(No I dont do it on purpose). But does that make me a evil person that wants to do harm to others for no reason :?: