Georgia man threatens to infect bank staff with Covid during robbery
Suspect is arrested after leaving the scene empty-handed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A bank robber who claimed he was infected with Covid-19 threatened to spread the novel coronavirus to anyone who stood in the way of his demands, according to Georgia law enforcement.
Deputies from the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office took a suspect named Victor Hardley Crawley into custody late last month after he attempted to rob a Chase bank in Riverdale, passing a note questing cash to the teller.
Mr Crawley reportedly told the teller he was infected with the deadly virus, responsible for more than 280,000 deaths nationwide since the outbreak began earlier this year.
He said he would expose others in the bank to the virus, according to police, who were contacted by bank employees that managed to call the sheriff’s office.
Mr Crawley left the bank without any cash and was later arrested at his home.
He told police he was behind on his bills and was hoping the robbery could help him catch up, according to local news reports.
The suspect explained that he had “fallen on financial hardship” and needed $2,000 to get back up to speed on his bills. He reportedly was not armed and did not present any weapons during the attempted robbery.
Coronavirus restrictions have once again been implemented in states across the country as a surge in infections envelopes the United States, with regions that once managed to battle back the rate of spread now seeing an uptick in their positivity levels. Millions of Americans remain unemployed as businesses are closed nationwide.
Millions of Americans remain unemployed as businesses are closed nationwide.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments