Suspect (NYPD) and Chase Bank at 24-16 Queens Plaza South (GMaps)
May 17, 2021 By Christina Santucci
Police are searching for a suspect wanted in a string of bank robberies – including two in Long Island City this month.
The suspect allegedly first struck on May 6 at a CitiBank in Court Square – where he passed a note to the teller demanding money, pretended to have a gun and made off with $1,115, according to the NYPD. Police said the heavily tattooed suspect then fled west on Jackson Avenue after the robbery.
Less than a week later – on the afternoon of May 11 – the suspect allegedly robbed Chase Bank, at 24-16 Queens Plaza South, by demanding cash and showing a note. He then fled with $760, according to cops.
The Police Department said it is looking for a man named Craig Gernett, 42, in connection to the robberies. The NYPD described the suspect as being approximately 5-feet-7 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He also has brown eyes and an earring on his left ear.
The Police Department said Gernett is also wanted in relation to several robberies that have taken place in Manhattan.
Suspect (NYPD)
On Friday, the suspect allegedly hit three banks: TD Bank in Washington Heights, Chase Bank in Harlem and a Bank of America branch. Police said he got away with a total of about $1,600 from two of the banks – and left empty handed from the Bank of America, at 106 West 117 Street.
On Saturday, he allegedly robbed a TD Bank in midtown and made of with about $760 in cash, police said.
The NYPD has released surveillance images of the suspect, wearing what appears to be a medical mask below his nose and mouth. Police said he has multiple tattoos, including on both of his hands.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips through the Crime Stoppers website.
