By: Richard L. Smith
A man accused of carrying out a string of bank robberies across New York City has been arrested in Newark after weeks of evading law enforcement.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Marshals Service, 33-year-old Gustavo DeJesus-Torres was taken into custody following a coordinated investigation involving federal and local authorities.
Officials said DeJesus-Torres is believed to be responsible for a series of robberies targeting six Chase Bank locations across Queens, Brooklyn, Harlem, and the Bronx throughout the month of March.
Authorities allege the suspect used a similar method in each incident, approaching bank tellers and passing written notes that threatened harm if his demands were not met.
DeJesus-Torres was apprehended in Newark by members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, working alongside the Newark Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Team and detectives from the New York City Police Department.
Law enforcement officials said investigators were able to track him down after extensive surveillance efforts and by following multiple leads and tips from the public.
Acting U.S. Marshal Nicholas Ricigliano credited the arrest to detailed investigative work and strong interagency collaboration.
DeJesus-Torres is now facing charges for violating the terms of his federal supervision, along with additional charges connected to the robbery spree.