Chase-bank-robbery.JPG

Syracuse police have identified the man they say robbed a bank Thursday and then fell 21 floors down a garbage chute in a nearby apartment building.

(Syracuse police)

Syracuse, N.Y. -- A North Side man remained in critical condition after he robbed a bank Thursday, climbed into a garbage chute of a nearby building and fell 21 floors, Syracuse police said.

Robin Gutheridge, 26, of 306 Shuart Ave., Syracuse, was arrested in connection with a bank robbery at the Chase Bank at 110 W. Fayette St.

Police said Gutheridge walked into the bank and passed a threatening note to a teller demanding money. He then fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

A short time later detectives received information that Gutheridge had walked into the Clinton Plaza Apartments at 550 S. Clinton St., police said. Officers and detectives began searching the building around 12:30 p.m.

While officers were searching the building a maintenance worker told them he could hear someone calling for help from a garbage chute in the basement.

Officers found Gutheridge trapped in the garbage chute near a compactor. Police said they believe Gutheridge climbed into the garbage chute on the 21st floor and fell all 21 floors to the basement.

Syracuse firefighters responded and freed Gutheridge from the garbage chute. He was found with some of the money from the bank robbery when he was removed from the garbage chute, police said.

Sgt. Tom Connellan said detectives aren't sure why Gutheridge went into the Clinton Plaza Apartments, but that he may have known someone living there.

Gutheridge was taken to Upstate University Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Police said he will be charged with third-degree robbery when he is released from the hospital.

Here is a map of 550 S. Clinton St., Clinton Plaza Apartments: