Fisherman tries to hook bank deposits

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - A new type of bank robber is on the loose in the metro area — one who uses a fishing hook and line to drop down deposit boxes — Rio Rancho police said Friday.

Rio Rancho police spokesperson John Francis said the man took fishing wire and fishing hooks to drop down deposit boxes to try to reel in money bags. Bank employees who would empty the deposit boxes the next morning told police they'd find the hooks and wires and that's what tipped them off to look at their surveillance video.

Francis said he didn't get away with any money from the Rio Rancho banks he allegedly tried to steal from last month three times. Francis or Albuquerque police couldn't say whether he was successful in his attempts at Albuquerque banks he hit, including First Community Bank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Cameras at the Bank of America at High Resort recorded their suspect driving up in an older, white Chevy Suburban with red stripes on the side, opening the deposit box and going fishing.

"Must be pretty sad," said Ernesto Gomez. "Must be real broke."

"Very desperate, yeah, very desperate," said Elaine Mascarenas.

Whoever he is he's wanted, police said, and they'll catch him hook, line and sinker.

"This is somebody we definitely want to catch," Francis said.