Suspect Accused of Robbing 6 NYC Banks in 5 Days Didn't Profit Much

Gustavo DeJesus Torres allegedly netted just $605 across multiple robberies, police say.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:55am

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New York City police have identified a 33-year-old suspect, Gustavo DeJesus Torres, who is accused of robbing six Chase Bank branches across Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx over a five-day period. While Torres allegedly passed notes warning of harm if money wasn't handed over, he reportedly never claimed to have a weapon. His total take from the robberies was just $605, with three of the attempts netting him nothing at all.

Why it matters

This case highlights the often-futile nature of bank robberies, where criminals can go to great lengths but end up with minimal financial gain, especially when factoring in the costs and risks associated with committing such crimes. It also raises questions about the suspect's motivations and potential mental health issues that may have contributed to the alleged spree.

The details

According to the NYPD, Torres collected $320 from a Jackson Heights branch, $265 from a Flatbush location, and $20 from a Harlem bank. Three times he got nothing and "fled on foot to parts unknown," a news release said. One surveillance photo shows him between crimes, standing on a subway platform with a coffee cup and a frown, police said, along with other commuters.

  • The robberies occurred over a five-day period in March 2026.
  • Torres was previously arrested last month for a bank robbery in TriBeCa.

The players

Gustavo DeJesus Torres

A 33-year-old suspect accused of robbing six Chase Bank branches across New York City.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department investigating the bank robbery spree.

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What they’re saying

“Three times he got nothing and "fled on foot to parts unknown,”

— NYPD

What’s next

Torres is suspected in other bank robberies, as well, police said, including one last month in TriBeCa for which he was arrested. The judge will determine if he will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the often futile nature of bank robberies, where criminals can go to great lengths but end up with minimal financial gain, raising questions about the suspect's motivations and the need for improved mental health resources and support to address the root causes of such crimes.