Communication error results in botched bank heist

Police are seeking help identifying the would-be robber at a Northwest Side Wells Fargo. Police are seeking help identifying the would-be robber at a Northwest Side Wells Fargo. Photo: Crime Stoppers Photo: Crime Stoppers Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Communication error results in botched bank heist 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

A botched bank robbery on the Northwest Side on Tuesday was apparently lost in translation causing the would-be thief to leave frustrated and empty-handed.

At about 10 a.m., a suspect was caught on camera in front of a teller at a Wells Fargo bank in the 1300 block of Interstate 10 West, according to a San Antonio Police Department media advisory.

Witnesses said the suspect asked for a teller who could help with a deposit in Spanish, a police report states.

The suspect began filling out a deposit slip, writing the words: “Dame Dinero,” which reads “Give me money,” in Spanish, and a number the teller didn’t recognize.

The teller read the note as “Damien,” and began searching for an account using the name.

When the teller asked to confirm the name, the suspect became frustrated and grabbed the slip back.

Police said the suspect appeared nervous and kept reaching into a large bag, but walked back to a vehicle with no license plates and drove away.

Despite what’s shown in photos, officials said they are not releasing the suspect’s gender, which investigators could not confirm as of Tuesday.

Anyone with details leading to an arrest can call Crime Stoppers at (210) 224-7867. A reward of up to $5,000 if offered for information leading to an arrest.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA