By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The FBI is asking the public for help in its search for the "Red Coat Bandit" who robbed a Midtown Citibank branch on Tuesday evening.
Just as tellers and bank employees were getting ready to close the bank branch at 411 Fifth Ave. at 37th Street about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, a man entered the bank displaying a fake bomb that had wires and a detonator, the FBI said. The robber then threatened to blow up the location and proceeded to rob the bank of an unspecified sum.
The "Red Coat Bandit" was described by the FBI as an Indian male, approximately 30 years old and 5 feet 10 inches. He was seen wearing a boonie hat, which is typically a wide-brimmed hate worn by military personnel, a black scarf or ski mask, a red hooded jacket, black gloves, light blue jeans and beige or tan work boots.
"It takes blatant disregard for the law and the safety of the public to pull a stunt like this. These hoax bombs are particularly dangerous. We need the public to take a close look at this photo and pick up the phone if they know something or have a tip," Assistant Special Agent in Charge Belle Chen said in a statement.
Anyone with information in connection to this robbery is encouraged to call the FBI at 212-384-1000. The FBI is offering a cash reward to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest in the case.
