Police: Cab driver waited for man as he robbed Kingsbridge Heights bank

"

Police say a man used a taxi to transport himself to and from a bank - in order to rob it. Officials say on Monday afternoon, the man jumped out of a taxi and robbed Ridgewood Savings Bank on Sedgwick Avenue around 3 p.m. They say he demanded that the teller give him money or he would start shooting. Bank customer John Maisonet is glad he was not there when the robber got away with more than $1,000 in cash. “Whatever a person feels they want to do they are going to do it, no matter if it's hurting me, you, or what. ..He is going to try to rob another bank, that’s his thing, that’s his MO,” said Maisonet. Police say before the robber ran out, a bank security guard tried to stop him and knocked the gun away. They say the gun turned out to be fake. Officials say the taxi was waiting for the man the entire time he was in the bank. Eric Borenstein lives in the area and says he’s on high alert, with this being the second robbery at this bank in just two months. “This neighborhood is a low crime area but you can’t be too careful,” said Borenstein. Down the block at Sedgwick Pharmacy, the owner tells News 12 the news is alarming and he is taking precautions. “Enhanced security mechanisms in place. We have a lot of panic buttons,” said Vincent Mazzamuto, the owner of Sedgwick Pharmacy. On Tuesday, security was ramped up at the Ridgewood Savings Bank. The doors to see the teller were locked and customers had to show photo identification and their bank card before they were let inside. "