An Albany man was arrested by police after he allegedly robbed a bank on Western Avenue.
Guilderland police said Philip Watts, 23, of 383 Third Street, Albany, entered the Bank of America at 1971 Western Avenue around 2:45 p.m. He then allegedly passed a note to the teller demanding cash and made of with an undisclosed quantity of money, police said.
Watts was located later in the afternoon along with the money, police said. Guilderland police, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, the New York state police along with their K-9 and aviation units, and the New York State Environmental Conservation Department all assisted in the arrest.
Watts was charged with robbery in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree, both felonies. He appeared in Guilderland Town Court and held without bail.
Police officials said they do not believe Watts was involved in the Wednesday, July 18 night deposit robbery at the same location.
Police said a man in a ski mask allegedly approached a customer outside of the bank around 10 p.m. The victim told police they were making a night deposit when the man approached and displayed a gun. An undisclosed amount of money was taken and the victim told police the suspect feld into the wooded area behind the bank.
Police said the suspect was described as a husky, black male, wearing all black clothing.
Police searched the area and were unable to find the suspect. A K9 unit from the Albany Police Department and New York State Police Aviation also helped with the effort, said police.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call the Guilderland Police Department at 356-1501.