NISKAYUNA, N.Y. - An off-duty Schenectady Police Officer assisted the Town of Niskayuna in the arrest of an attempted bank robber on Wednesday afternoon.
The off-duty officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, was in the area of State and Balltown Road around 1 p.m. when he noticed the suspect running from the Trustco Bank, at 3641 State Street, with what appeared to be a towel wrapped around his face.
The officer then followed the male suspect to an address on Winston Place, called the Schenectady Police Department and provided responding officers with a description of the male and the house that he went into.
Upon officers' arrival, the suspect attempted to flee out of the rear of the residence, where officers had already positioned themselves.
The suspect, 31-year-old Robert Costello of Watervliet, was detained by Niskayuna Police Detectives and eventually arrested.
Niskayuna Police say Costello entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. He did not display a weapon, and left the bank on foot without any proceeds. No injuries were reported.
He has been charged with Attempted Robbery 3rd-degree and Attempted Grand Larceny 4th-degree and turned over to the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office without bail.
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