NORTH ANDOVER — An apologetic robber held up a Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union Monday night.
Police said he left behind what could turn out to be some pricey clues — the $100 bills he dropped outside as he ran away, which might bear his fingerprints.
The robber, described as a heavyset man, wore sunglasses and a dark-colored bandanna over his mouth to disguise his identity, but no gloves, police said.
He went into the Route 114 credit union just minutes before the 5 p.m. closing time. He walked up to the tellers and demanded large bills. He did not show a weapon.
As he left the credit union he apologized.
"He did say he was sorry," North Andover police Lt. Paul Gallagher said yesterday.
Police said a "large amount of cash" was stolen, but refused to be more specific.
The robber ran through the drive-through and behind the bank, which sits at the end of the North Andover Mall on Turnpike Street (Route 114).
Police are not sure if he took off on foot or had a getaway vehicle waiting.
Sgt. Charles Gray and his police dog Kyzer tracked the robber behind the building before losing his scent, but they found money.
"We did find some money that had been dropped," Gallagher said. "There was several hundred in the rear of the bank."
The bills are being examined for fingerprints.
The robber was caught on the bank's security camera. He is described as 6 feet tall and heavyset. He wore khakis, a short-sleeved, plaid, button-down shirt and a light ball cap.
He carried what appeared to be a black messenger bag or computer bag.
Police are working with other stores in the mall to see if their cameras picked up the robber or a car, but it's a slow process.
"It's taking a while to review them," Gallagher said. "We want to see if there's any more footage of our robber."
Gallagher said the 911 call came in at one minute to 5 p.m.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Dan Cronin at dcronin@napd.us or 978-683-3168.
