Minneapolis Man Catches Movie with Money from Edina Bank Robbery

A Minneapolis man who apparently really wanted to go to the movies has been charged with robbing an Edina bank—and getting away with only $40.

Rithwan Ahmed Badel, also known as Ritwan Abdu and Rithwan Ahmed Abdu, 24, is charged with theft from person, a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Edina Police were called to a TCF Bank branch on Dec. 15 to investigate a reported bank robbery, according to the criminal complaint.

Bank officials told police that a man, later identified as Badel, had entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. The note read: “This is a theft, $100s only Hurry No Bait,” according to the complaint.

The teller opened his drawer and handed Badel two $20 bills. When Badel pointed to the note, the teller pulled open his drawer and showed Badel that it was empty, telling him that $40 was all the money he had.

Badel took the $40 and fled the bank, according to the complaint.

While officers were investigating the robbery, Badel called and turned himself in. Police found him outside the Southdale AMC movie theater; when he was apprehended, officers found a $20 bill, two $5 bills, two $1 bills, two quarters and one $7.50 movie ticket in his pocket—for a total of $40.

The teller identified Badel as the man who robbed him.

Badel has been released from custody on a $10,000 bond. An omnibus hearing in his case is scheduled Jan. 14 in Hennepin County District Court.

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