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.
"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."
