Police seeking information on attempted bank robbery
Bayonne Police have asked for the public’s assistance to solve a Dec. 24 attempted bank robbery, according to Capt. Robert Geisler.
At 11:34 a.m. that day, a man walked into the Garden State Community Bank, 949 Broadway, at the corner of 46th Street, went to the customer service desk, and inquired about opening a savings account, according to police.
He then asked to use the bank’s restroom, which he was allowed to do.
“He exited the restroom and followed the bank manager into the teller area, where he showed her a black handgun,” Geisler said. “He then ordered the manager and tellers back to the vault area. He demanded the money, and the bank manager told him that she was unable to open the vault at this time.”
At that point, two customers entered the bank, according to police. The manager told the customers the bank was closed and that they would have to use another branch. They left.
“The actor then fled the building, with no money received,” Geisler said. “And the police were notified. When we arrived, the actor was already gone.”
The suspect has been identified as an African American male, about 5-foot, 6-inches tall, with a thin build and short brown hair, according to Geisler.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Bayonne Police Department at (877) 908-8477 or (201) 858-6925.
Haircutting kit and conditioners allegedly shoplifted by resident
A resident of Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne was arrested on Dec. 27 at the Bayonne ShopRite on Avenue C for shoplifting, police said.
Close to 8 p.m. that day, Juan Brito, 40, was observed by store security allegedly placing several store items into his gray and black backpack, according to Capt. Robert Geisler.
“As he attempted to exit the store [allegedly] without paying for the items, the actor was approached by the security officer and the off-duty officer working there,” Geisler said. “He [allegedly] admitted to attempting to steal the items and apologized.”
Brito [allegedly] turned over one Wahl color pro-haircutting kit, valued at $24.99; two bottles of conditioner ($4.99 each); two bottles of Dove body soap ($6.99 each); and two bottles of Excedrin extra strength aspirin ($9.99 each), for a total value of $68.93, police said.
Brito was charged with shoplifting. He was released on a summons.
New York man arrested for selling pirated movies
A Brooklyn, N.Y., man was arrested on Dec. 28 at 4:05 p.m. and charged with selling illegal copies of current movies, police said.
An off-duty police officer observed JiBiao Chen, 48, in the ShopRite basement parking lot (allegedly) selling what he believed to be bootleg copies of movies, according to Capt. Robert Geisler.
“The officer approached Mr. Chen. He [Chen allegedly] told him he had current releases, including ‘The Interview,’ and stated that they were three for $10,” Geisler said. “The officer then displayed his badge and identified himself as a police officer.”
Chen said to the officer, “You police, I go please,” according to Geisler, and then turned and [allegedly] attempted to walk away.
Chen was told he was arrested, and was handcuffed without incident, police said. He was charged with antipiracy.
“A search of him incidental to the arrest revealed 174 pirated DVDs,” Geisler said. “Also received from his property was $231.30, which was deemed as the proceeds of his sales.”
Chen was released on a summons.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.