By Ruth Luse, Managing Editor
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — Township police learned late Monday afternoon that PNC Bank — located inside of the Stop & Shop supermarket on Denow Road, in the Hopewell Crossing Shopping Center — is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of a robbery suspect.
At approximately 1 p.m. Monday, according to Hopewell Township police Chief George C. Meyer, police received a call reporting a robbery at the PNC Bank branch.
”Officers responded to find that the perpetrator had already fled the bank. The teller, who was working alone in the small branch inside of the supermarket, said a white mane, with a dark complexion and estimated to be in his 40s, approached him and handed him a note demanding money,” Chief Meyer said. The suspect said he was armed.
At one point, the suspect “displayed a weapon, which was inside of his jacket. The weapon is believed to be a semi-automatic handgun,” the chief said.
”The teller complied with the note, giving the actor cash and he then left the store. No vehicle was observed.
”Store patrons and employees were unaware that the robbery was taking place. The actor got away with less than $1,500,” said the chief.
The robber also was described as having several days beard and a full mustache. He is approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing about 165 pounds. He was wearing a dark-colored jacket, a light-colored shirt and a light-colored baseball cap, the chief noted.
Police are reviewing store and bank video.
Officer Sara Erwin and Detective Kevin Zorn are investigating in cooperation with the FBI.
