Armed robber steals $7,000 from Bensonhurst bank
Police say there were reports of an unidentified man who entered the bank at 6923 18th Ave., brandished a firearm and demanded money from the front desk clerk.
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The quiet of 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst was shattered Thursday when swarms of police rushed to the Empire State Bank after a call about an armed robbery just before 5:30 p.m.
Police say there were reports of an unidentified man who entered the bank at 6923 18th Ave., brandished a firearm and demanded money from the front desk clerk. The suspect fled with $7,000, leaving a scene what neighbors described as “movie‑like.”
Residents said they are still shaken by the robbery.
“Oh my God, he had a gun?!...Not safe at all…You’ve got to be so careful,” said Frances, a nearby resident.
“That’s a shock because I’ve never heard of a bank robbery in this neighborhood. He might think if he got away with it this time, he’ll probably try it again,” said Tony, another resident.
As investigators work to track down the suspect, residents say they hope he is caught quickly.
“And he got away — I think that’s the worst part about all of this. But I’m sure he’ll get caught,” Frances said.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
