Leaf it to New Hampshire, where a bank branch was held up by a man disguised as a tree.
Just as the Citizen Bank branch opened Saturday morning, a man walked in with leafy boughs duct-taped to his head and torso, and robbed the place.
"He really went out on a limb," police Sgt. Ernie Goodno said Sunday.
Police said the leafy man didn't saying anything about having a weapon, just demanded cash, and was given an undisclosed amount.
Although the branches and leaves obscured much of the man's face, someone who saw images from the bank's security camera recognized the robber and called police.
Officers said James Coldwell, 49, was arrested early Sunday at his Manchester home and charged with robbery. Arraignment was not expected until Monday.
The nefarious mastermind has been apprehended, so need to worry if you see any trees or bushes entering your local bank - they're probably harmless!
Police rake in leafy robbery suspect
By SCOTT BROOKS New Hampshire Union Leader Staff Monday, Jul. 9, 2007
Manchester – The bandit who wore a leafy disguise while robbing a downtown bank Saturday has been caught, police said.
Investigators say James Coldwell, 49, robbed the Citizens Bank at 1550 Elm St. while clad in clothing adorned with tree branches held on by duct tape.
Coldwell was charged with one count of robbery after answering questions at the police station, Capt. Dick Tracy said.
Video surveillance of the Saturday morning robbery showed a thin white man leaving the bank in a shroud of tree branches, all duct-taped to his shirt and head. His short, dark hair and mustache were clearly visible between the leaves.
Tracy said police were tipped off by several anonymous callers after the footage appeared on a nightly news broadcasts.
"I think he was hoping the disguise would camouflage him enough that no one would recognize who he was," Tracy said.
Coldwell lives at 50 Lowell St., about three-quarters of a mile south of the bank. Residents at that address laughed about the incident, but refused to discuss it with a reporter yesterday.
Tracy said the robber made off with a bag containing less than $1,000. It appears investigators have since recovered most, if not all, of the money, he said.
No weapon was shown during the crime, police have said.
I am responding to all the people out there on James Coldwell. They say he had mental problems or associated. I am his oldest son. Hate him or love him he had problems. No matter what his family said or did it was not good enough for him. He was a great man until he threw his entire life away and I personally blame 2 people himself and Alcohol. Say what you want I could care less. My family has tried everything to help him, whether he wanted help or not. His family loves him and will eventually forgive him for his actions. I personally find the deal funny but i also take this very seriouse especially when ignorent people dont know all the facts. - Tim Coldwell, Hickory, NC
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by sox 06 » Sun Jul 08, 2007 2:58 pm 
