Crime & Safety

BREAKING: Robbery Attempt at Chase Bank

Hopewell Junction man apprehended by RVC PD minutes later.

A Hopewell Junction man tried to rob a North Village Avenue bank early Friday afternoon, but left empty-handed and was apprehended by village police minutes after he fled the bank, officials said.

According to Rockville Centre Police, Ralph V. Costa III, 23, of Hopewell Junction, NY, entered the Chase Bank at 120 North Village Ave. at around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and passed a demand note to a teller, threatening to use a gun. Before the teller gave him any money, Costa fled the bank on foot.

Police said a notification was broadcast and four minutes later, Rockville Centre Police Officer Alberto Melendez located Costa at the RVC train station.

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Costa was arrested, charged and was arraigned in First District Court today on one count of third-degree attempted robbery. 

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