Police Arrest Suspect in Bouquet Bandit Robberies

Police have made an arrest in the "Bouquet Bandit" case, in which the suspect used chivalrous tactics to rob banks -- leaving behind flowers or a potted plant after demanding  cash from the bank teller.

The 44-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Brooklyn after police received a tip, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said.

The suspect was arrested at a relative's apartment in Brooklyn. He had done odd jobs for florists in Chelsea's ''flower district," sources tell NBCNewYork.  The suspect also had 14 prior arrests mainly for drug possession, sources confirm.

The man is wanted for at least two robberies. He entered the Bank of Smithtown on Seventh Avenue in Chelsea on July 15 holding a huge flower bouquet at around 8:55 a.m., approached a teller and gave the teller a note demanding all of their 100- and 50-dollar bills, according to police.

The perpetrator added, “Don’t be a hero,"  cops said.

Once he had the cash in hand, the robber bolted, leaving the flowers behind.

It was unclear just how much money he made off with. A bank spokesperson did not return calls for comment.

And police say the same man appeared robbing another Manhattan bank on July 10 with a leafy plant. In that incident, the robber also left the plant with the teller.

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