Alleged Robber Trapped In Bank Doors

PHILADELPHIA - Police say a bank robbery suspect looking for quick cash walked right into a trap inside a Center City bank.

It happened at the Citizens Bank Branch at 18th and Market Street shortly before 3 p.m. Friday.

Police say a 21-year-old man gave a note to a teller demanding $2000 in cash.

After he got the money, he tried walking out but employees triggered a trap, say detectives.

The suspect was locked into a vestibule made of bulletproof glass. Police say he fired his .357 Magnum trying to get out.

When the police arrived, he gave up.

Authorities say these man-trap systems are relatively new to banks.

"It doesn't happen often, but it has happened before,” says Chief Inspector Scott Small of Philadelphia Police. “We've had individuals who struggled so hard to get out, they've banged their head against the doors in order to break the glass. And they knock themselves unconscious and we made the arrest so it happens."

Police were able to recover the weapon and money.

The suspect is now in federal custody.