Off-Duty Cop Catches Bank Robber in Middle of Heist, Police Say

Police said that the man wanted in the March 4, 2013 Stapleton bank robbery, Edward Trifeletti, 35, was caught trying to...

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NYPD

NEW DORP — A Staten Island man wanted for robbing a Stapleton bank on Monday was arrested as he held up a New Dorp target — not knowing the customer next to him was a cop, police said.

Police said Edward Trifeletti, 35, of Victory Blvd., Tompkinsville, walked into the Chase Bank at 2626 Hylan Blvd. at around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday and demanded money from a teller, police said.

Unluckily for Trifeletti, off-duty officer Richard Ocasio was standing at the next teller’s window when Trifeletti announced his robbery, police said.

Ocasio, who’s assigned to the 120th Precinct’s Impact Unit, identified himself as a cop and arrested Trifeletti.

Police also suspect Trifeletti in Monday’s robbery of a Northfield Bank at 385 Bay St.

He was charged with two counts of robbery and grand larceny in both cases.