NEW HAVEN – A man was taken into custody Friday, Oct. 17, after attempting to purchase pizza with dye- soaked money, which, according to police, was stolen from the Elm St. Webster Bank on October 16th.
When police arrived at the scene, post-robbery, they learned that the suspect had entered the bank, handed the teller a note demanding she give her money from her drawer, and then fled the bank of foot after receiving an undisclosed amount of cash and a hidden dye pack.
While the suspect was running, the dye pack exploded, covering him and the money in red colored dye. Police discovered a red-stained sweatshirt and a portion of the dye soaked money discarded in a nearby alleyway during their investigation. At this point, the suspect was able to elude the police, although Detectives were able to develop a suspect based on previous reports from the Waterbury Police Department, who had an outstanding arrest warrant out for the Waterbury Ion Bank robbery on October 15th.
On Friday, October 17th, an employee of a local business became suspicious when a man purchased pizza with dye-soaked money and called the police. Further investigation led the police to Derrell Soulds, 38, who was in possession of drugs, additional dye-soaked money, and red-stained clothing.
Soulds, a parole absconder, was taken into custody for the previous Ion Bank robbery, and then further charged with the October 16th Webster Bank robbery. He has been charged with Robbery 1st degree, Larceny 2nd degree, Threatening 2nd degree, and Possession of Narcotics. He is being held on $200,000 bond.
“With the help of the community, and the work of New Haven Police Department’s Officers and Detectives, our suspect was caught, literally, red handed. I salute and thank all those involved in this apprehension.” said Chief Dean Esserman, New Haven Police Department.
