Bank Robbery Suspect Hails Uber as Getaway Car: Cops

Cops say Luis Mallett apparently needed the cash to settle a bar tab
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 14, 2016 4:20 PM CDT

If you're going to be a 21st-century bank robber, you have to use every modern convenience at your disposal, including flagging an Uber vehicle as your getaway car. CNET reports that a man identified as 29-year-old Luis Mallett allegedly robbed a Santander Bank in Weymouth, Mass., on Monday, giving the teller a note that said he had a bomb and making off with $700. Per a Weymouth Police Department Facebook post, a witness says Mallett then hopped into a built-for-speed red Nissan Altima, which promptly puttered off. Per FOX25, prosecutors say a local man had been approached by Mallett, who said his sister was in trouble and he needed an Uber ASAP. The man says he arranged for an Uber for Mallett on his cellphone.

Police were able to use the Uber app to track Mallett back to a local restaurant, where he apparently needed the money to pay his bar tab and tip his server (cops say he left a $20 gratuity for his bartender on a $16 check, per the Boston Herald). He was found with exactly the amount of money on him that the bank had said was stolen, police note. He was charged with unarmed robbery and issuing a false report about an explosive device (for the bomb note); he also had seven outstanding warrants for his arrest for larceny and other charges. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday during his arraignment and is being held on $100,000 bail. (More weird crimes stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X