Cops: Would-be bank robber caught not far from scene
Derrick Tolliver, 37, of Copiague, was charged with third-degree attempted bank robbery in connection with a robbery attempt at the Roslyn Savings Bank branch on Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon on Wednesday morning, Oct. 8, 2014, police said. Credit: SCPD
A man who tried to rob a North Babylon bank Wednesday only to have the teller refuse to hand over cash was arrested 12 minutes later outside a convenience store across the street, police said.
Suffolk County police said the incident began at the Roslyn Savings Bank branch on Deer Park Avenue at 8:25 a.m. and ended with the arrest of suspect Derrick Tolliver, 37, of Copiague, at a nearby 7-Eleven.
Police said a responding First Precinct officer was alerted to Tolliver after a broadcast describing him and his clothing and found the suspect outside the store. Tolliver told police he was retrieving his car, which he had left in the parking lot before going to the bank.
Tolliver was charged with third-degree attempted bank robbery. He faces arraignment Thursday in First District Court in Central Islip.
Police said that after entering the bank, Tolliver handed a teller a demand note -- but the teller refused to comply.
Tolliver then fled.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”
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