New York Bank Robber Gustavo DeJesus Torres on the Run After Series of Failed Heists

Gustavo DeJesus Torres, a 33-year-old man, is currently evading capture after a series of six attempted bank robberies across New York City from March 13 to March 17, 2026. Targeting Chase branches in Queens, Brooklyn, Harlem, and the Bronx, Torres managed to steal only $605, raising questions about his effectiveness as a robber. During these incidents, he communicated threats to tellers through written notes, indicating potential harm if they did not comply with his demands.

The Guardian

Torres's attempts included withdrawing $320 from a Jackson Heights branch, $265 from Flatbush, and a mere $20 from a Harlem location. In three of the attempts, he left empty-handed. Notably, none of the robberies resulted in injuries, and Torres did not claim to be armed during the incidents. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released security camera images of Torres, who is described as a balding man with a beard, sometimes wearing a mask. Witnesses reported seeing him on a subway platform between robberies, holding a coffee cup.

The Guardian

This is not Torres's first encounter with the law; he previously robbed a Chase bank in New Jersey in 2021, taking $6,000 by threatening the teller with a note stating he was "heavily armed." He also faced charges for a $600 robbery at a TD Bank in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. The NYPD has called for public assistance in locating Torres, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The Guardian

The series of robberies comes at a time when bank robberies in the United States have been declining. According to FBI statistics, there were 1,362 bank robberies reported in 2023, a significant decrease from 2,440 in 2019 and 7,556 in 2004. The average amount stolen per robbery has also dropped to approximately $4,200, with about 60% of cases being solved, often on the same day as the crime.

The Guardian

The NYPD has actively sought the public's help in identifying and locating Torres. They have released images and descriptions to aid in the search, highlighting the unusual nature of the robberies given the low amounts taken and the lack of violence.

The Guardian

Some law enforcement experts have criticized the effectiveness of Torres's methods, noting that his approach may indicate desperation rather than skill. The low amounts stolen from each robbery have led to discussions about the motivations behind such crimes in a declining robbery landscape.

The Guardian

While the NYPD has provided details about the robberies and the suspect, there is limited information regarding Torres's current whereabouts or any potential connections to larger criminal networks. The lack of injuries during the robberies contrasts with the threatening nature of his notes, leaving questions about his intentions.

The Guardian

As the search for Gustavo DeJesus Torres continues, the NYPD remains vigilant, urging the public to report any sightings or information that could lead to his capture. The outcome of this case may influence ongoing discussions about crime trends and law enforcement strategies in urban areas.

The Guardian