FBI Seeks Assistance Identifying Armed Bank Robber and Livery Car Service After Shot Fired

Yesterday, at approximately 8:45 a.m., a single male entered the HSBC Bank located at 2215 43rd Avenue in Queens, New York. He approached the teller, pointed a small silver revolver through the bandit barrier, and demanded cash. As the suspect was waiting for money from the teller, he pointed his gun into the air and fired a round into the ceiling. The bank staff, from fear of being hurt, dropped to the floor after the shot was discharged. The suspect fled the bank without any money and left as a passenger in a black Lincoln Town Car; the FBI believes he was using a car service. The black Lincoln Town Car was last seen arriving and leaving a block from the HSBC branch on 44th Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Streets in Long Island City.

The FBI is looking for a Hispanic male, approximately 35 years old, and 5’7’’ tall. He is roughly 180 to 190 pounds, was seen wearing a black tweed hat, a black jacket, dark grey scarf, dark pants, and black gloves. It is also believed that the same suspect robbed a Capital One Bank located at 185 Broadway in Brooklyn, New York on October 18, 2011.

“We are asking the public to be vigilant and to pick up the phone and call the FBI if they know this individual. We are asking for any livery drivers who may have been in the area to give us a call; we believe this could lead us to this dangerous suspect. Anytime a weapon is fired, the potential for injury and loss of life has to be taken seriously,” said Supervisory Special Agent Barbara Daly.

The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. A significant reward is available for a tip that breaks the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI immediately at 212-384-1000. As always, tipsters may remain anonymous.

A photo of the vehicle: