Daring Robber Does Daylight Disappearing Act

I'm not in favor of bank robbery - or any other kind of crime, for that matter. But you've got to admit that this still free at large Seattle bank robber did have a certain style. Here's how it all shook out.

At the end of September, 2008, an unknown person put an ad for a job interview into the local Craigslist. As a result, he (or she) got several dozen people to all show up at the same time at a local bank. All of them agreed to all wear safety goggles, a yellow vest, and a respirator mask. And many of them wore the blue shirt they were asked to wear "if at all possible".

The robber also showed up as they all arrived, wearing the same outfit. Although he looked like he was part of the crowd, he had one other thing with him - a can of pepper spray. Using the crowd as a camouflage, the robber first squirted the pepper spray at an armored car guard. When the guard was temporarily subdued and disoriented the robber grabbed several bags of cash and ran.

Now, if this wasn't enough, just like in a grade B movie, the robber dove into the nearby river. But he had a well prepared plan. He swam over to and un-tethered an inflated inner tube. After hoisting himself into it he just paddled away. Last time he or she was seen was floating down the river.

So, what would you do if you ever find yourself in the midst of a bank robbery? The most important thing is to protect yourself. Don't be a hero. Let the robber have what he wants. Your money is insured, so why risk your safety?

You might be angry, you may be scared, but you've got to control yourself. There's a good chance that the robber is desperate. After all, don't you have to be a bit desperate to try to rob a bank? If that's the case, why mess with someone that's in that psychological situation?

If you still want to be heroic you can try to notice and remember details about the robbers. Their physical characteristics, like their weight, height and the color of their hair and eyes. Look for tattoos or scars. See if they have any unusual mannerisms.

Don't stare, though, because the bank robber does not want to be caught and he probably will know why you're looking at him so intently. Again, the best thing to do is to keep a low profile and let the robber take what he wants so you and everyone else can be safe.

And, if you see the bank robber driving away, try to remember what the getaway car looks like and the direction it headed.

After he's left don't touch anything. You don't want to destroy the evidence or alter the scene of the crime.