DATE: Wednesday, July 16, 1997              TAG: 9707160488

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MIKE MATHER, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   41 lines

ROBBER'S BOOTY EXPLODES IN HIS PANTS WHEN BEACH BANK'S DYE-BOMB BLASTS

Police are searching for an embarrassed bank robber who was hurt Tuesday morning after a dye pack exploded in his pants and burned a hole through his fly.

Witnesses last saw the man strip to his boxer shorts on Pacific Avenue and run away, leaving the money and his smoldering pants behind.

The robbery happened around 11:30 a.m. at Life Savings Bank near 38th Street and Pacific Avenue. Police spokesman Mike Carey said this is what happened:

The man gave a bank teller a plastic Food Lion grocery bag and demanded ``all the money in the bank.'' The teller filled the bag with money and an explosive dye pack that burns at about 400 degrees when activated.

The robber stuffed the bag down the front of his pants and ran from the bank.

Carey said witnesses then saw ``an explosion taking place inside his pants. He was seen hopping and jumping around.''

The hot dye pack seared through the crotch of the robber's jeans. Police confiscated the charred pants but have not yet caught the robber.

``He's probably sitting around with an ice pack in his lap,'' Carey said. ``That is, if he hasn't sought medical attention.''

Police alerted area hospitals to be on the lookout for a man complaining of crotch burns. Investigators also asked the public's help in finding the robber. The suspect may be stained with bright red dye.

``If he has the dye on his, uh, shall we say, `person,' it will be there for several days,'' Carey said.

Police are investigating whether the fugitive could be the same man who robbed a NationsBank on Pleasure House Road a day earlier.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call 427-0000. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for anonymous tips. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

A bank photo shows the suspect... KEYWORDS: BANK ROBBERY

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu