MedicCook
09-09-2006, 07:38 AM
Woman, 79, Charged in Toy Gun Robbery
CHICAGO (AP) - A 79-year-old South Side woman bearing a toy gun and a visor that read "Princess" has been charged with trying to rob a downtown bank.
Melvena Cooke was charged Wednesday with attempted bank robbery. She is free on $4,500 bond and was released into her daughter's custody.
Cooke walked into the Bank of America branch Tuesday morning and told a teller that she'd just come from the dentist and could only speak quietly, according to an FBI affidavit.
As the teller leaned in, Cooke whispered a demand for $30,000 and brandished a gun that turned out to be a toy, the affidavit says. Instead of handing over any money, however, the teller triggered a silent alarm and walked away.
Cooke left empty-handed after several minutes and then ducked into a nearby store, where she was arrested.
Officials said Cooke was dressed for the attempted heist in a black trench coat, sunglasses and a white "Princess" visor.
She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
http://www.davesdaily.com/out.php?id=20091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fapnews.myway.com%2Farticle%2F2006 0908%2FD8K0DFN80.html
CHICAGO (AP) - A 79-year-old South Side woman bearing a toy gun and a visor that read "Princess" has been charged with trying to rob a downtown bank.
Melvena Cooke was charged Wednesday with attempted bank robbery. She is free on $4,500 bond and was released into her daughter's custody.
Cooke walked into the Bank of America branch Tuesday morning and told a teller that she'd just come from the dentist and could only speak quietly, according to an FBI affidavit.
As the teller leaned in, Cooke whispered a demand for $30,000 and brandished a gun that turned out to be a toy, the affidavit says. Instead of handing over any money, however, the teller triggered a silent alarm and walked away.
Cooke left empty-handed after several minutes and then ducked into a nearby store, where she was arrested.
Officials said Cooke was dressed for the attempted heist in a black trench coat, sunglasses and a white "Princess" visor.
She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
http://www.davesdaily.com/out.php?id=20091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fapnews.myway.com%2Farticle%2F2006 0908%2FD8K0DFN80.html