For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-865-4110

Gloucester Police Officers Quickly Capture Alleged Bank Robber

Suspect Also Wanted for Bank Robbery in Manchester, N.H.

Tried to Escape by Taxicab

GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Leonard Campanello reports that the Gloucester Police Department acted quickly this morning in tracking down and arresting an alleged bank robber.

A man entered the Ipswich Bank on Rogers Street at approximately 11:20 a.m. Thursday and handed a teller a note. In the note, the suspect claimed to have a gun and demanded money from the teller.

The suspect received a quantity of cash and left the bank. He soon got into a taxicab, but exited the vehicle a few minutes later when the taxi’s radio broadcast a report of the bank robbery.

An investigation led police to believe that the suspect may attempt to board a Commuter Rail train. Officers, armed with a description of the suspect, waited patiently until DEREK POTOCKI, AGE 30, OF SALEM arrived, matching the suspect’s description.

POTOCKI was arrested, and a quantity of cash was found on his person consistent with what was taken from the bank. POTOCKI was also wanted by the United States Marshals Service in connection with a bank robbery in Manchester, N.H.

The Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation also responded.

POTOCKI was charged with Armed Bank Robbery and Being a Fugitive from Justice. He is being held pending his arraignment in Gloucester District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

###