The Thursday evening rush on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst turned tense when a man walked into a neighborhood bank, pulled a gun and walked out with roughly $7,000 in cash, leaving workers and customers stunned, according to News 12 Brooklyn.
Police say the suspect entered the Empire State Bank branch at 6923 18th Ave. just before 5:30 p.m., pointed a firearm at a front-desk clerk and demanded money before fleeing with the cash, News 12 Brooklyn reports. Residents told the outlet they were shaken, with some describing the scene as “movie-like.” One nearby woman reacted, “Oh my God, he had a gun? Not safe at all.” Neighbors said the brazen daylight holdup has them worried the suspect could strike again along the usually bustling commercial strip.
Branch Details And Location
The branch targeted in the robbery is Empire State Bank’s 18th Avenue Banking Center at 6923 18th Ave., according to Empire State Bank. The neighborhood banking center handles routine deposits and withdrawals and sits on a busy stretch of 18th Avenue lined with small businesses. Store owners said they were keeping a close eye on activity outside as police processed the scene.
Investigation Underway
No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing, according to News 12 Brooklyn. Detectives are working to track down the unidentified suspect, and neighbors say they are staying alert and urging others in the area to do the same.
