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Corfu bank heist not yet connected to any previous robberies

By Howard B. Owens

There's no information tying a bank robbery in Corfu yesterday to recent bank robberies in the Buffalo area, according to Undersheriff Bill Sharon.

Although Associated Press is reporting that authorities say the Corfu heist may be connected to two robberies in Amherst and two more in Buffalo, Sheron said no evidence has been found so far tying the robberies together.

"They don't appear to be related," Sheron said. "For one thing, the descriptions of the suspects are different. Of course, we're working with federal agencies to see if there is a linkage to any other robberies, either in the region or the state or nationally."

Investigators are back in Corfu today trying to gather more evidence and talk to more witnesses.

Sheron said witnesses to the 2 p.m. robbery on Monday could still play a key part in breaking this case.

"We're fairly certain that he (the suspect) was in the village from about noon until the time of the robbery," Sheron said. "We're looking for any citizens who might have seen him or noticed his activities."

There were pictures, apparently, of the suspect taken in the bank and the Sheriff's Office is working with the FBI to enhance the images and release them to the media. 

Other businesses in the area also had external security cameras that may provide additional leads.

Yesterday's investigation centered on boot prints in the snow that were found in a walkway between the bank and an apartment building. They led to a parking area behind Dadio's and seemed to have stopped there. A police dog was brought in to track the suspect, but that trail seemed to lead no further than the parking area.

While initial reports may have placed the suspect in a silver sedan, there's no solid evidence, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, to say for sure that was a vehicle used by the suspect.

"What we have on the cameras will hopefully help out, but no one saw him get into a car or anything like that," Dibble said.

The suspect is described as a white male, just under 6 feet tall, average build, with possibly brown hair. He was wearing a yellow, work-type boot, maybe, and jeans. He also had on a gray hoodie that he pulled over his head and a black, ski-type mask covering the lower part of his face.

People with any possible information should contact the Sheriff's Office at 345-3000.

joseph bradt

Actually looking closer at the photo Bob it looks like the windows have the signs posted on them from AFTER the robbery showing other open branch locations. (Bigger picture in original post). However, how ironic is it that this picture shows someone matching the description standing at the banks front door?

Jan 4, 2011, 4:41pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

It's well after the robbery and just a high school kid walking by after the events. Yes the notices are posted in the door. Yes, I liked the idea of a kid in a grey hoodie walking past.

Jan 4, 2011, 4:47pm Permalink
joseph bradt

I guess that would make for yet another good reason why the Sheriff's Dept. did the right thing by locking down the School. Wouldn't want a dozen school kids in grey hoodies wandering the streets right after the robbery.
:-)

Jan 4, 2011, 5:13pm Permalink

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