Times must be tough back at the Empire.
A bank robber dressed as "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader made off with an undetermined amount of cash after pointing a handgun at startled tellers inside a Chase bank branch on Long Island.
Detectives say the man walked into the bank shortly before noon Thursday wearing a full head mask and a blue cape. The only part of the uniform that was out of place were his camouflage pants. And that handgun -- no light saber.
Suffolk County police detective Sgt. William Lamb told reporters that at least one customer at the time didn't think the theft was legit. The customer, whose identity was not released, can be seen cowering on the floor in a surveillance camera photo, moments after the robber shoved him away.
The only other description of the suspect was his height: between 6 feet and 6-2. He was last seen running across a parking lot.
Mike Fusco, a Chase spokesman, declined to comment other than to say bank officials were cooperating with the investigation. The holdup was the 15th in Suffolk County this year; 30 bank heists were reported in 2009.
The robbery comes about a week after a so-called bouquet bandit held up a Manhattan bank.
Authorities say Edward Pemberton used a flower bouquet to conceal a note demanding cash during a $440 bank heist July 15. They say he used a potted plant as a similar prop in a holdup at another bank earlier this month.
First Published: July 25, 2010, 8:00 a.m.