A suspected serial bank robber has been captured on security footage carrying out his sixth heist in New York City in two weeks, after being released from custody due to a controversial new state law. Gerod Woodberry, 42, entered a Citibank in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday and passed a note to a teller demanding 'large bills only'.
The robbery is believed to be the latest in a spree that began on 30 December, with targets including banks in Midtown, Harlem, the West Village and the Upper West Side. Woodberry was arrested on 9 January for four robberies at Chase branches, where he stole about $2,000, but was released under New York's 'no-bail law', which does not require bond for non-violent felonies.
According to reports, Woodberry was overheard saying 'I can't believe they let me out' as he left NYPD headquarters. He is suspected of robbing a bank in Downtown Brooklyn the following day, and then striking again on Tuesday, though he fled empty-handed. Police say the suspect matches Woodberry's description and modus operandi.
The no-bail law, which came into effect on 1 January, has faced criticism from politicians and Mayor Bill de Blasio, who have called for its revision. An NYPD insider described the situation as a 'circus', warning that it could lead to injuries. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline.
