Mask leads to arrest in Delaware County post office robberies

SPRINGFIELD, Pa. - January 29, 2014

Authorities say 28-year-old Blair Thomas held up the Church Lane post office in Yeadon on January 22nd and then robbed the Darby branch with a gun on the same day.

Investigators were able to track Thomas down because of the mask he was wearing, one that resembled bumbling Police Inspector Clouseau from the 'Pink Panther' series.

Only 17 were made and after checking with the manufacturer, police say they learned that Thomas bought one in December.

It was approximately 10:40 a.m. last Wednesday when police say Thomas entered the US Post Office located at 707 Church Lane in Yeadon. He allegedly presented a demand note to an employee, but fled after failing to obtain anything in the robbery.

Then at approximately 11:00 a.m. the same day, a clerk observed the suspect in the lobby of the US Post Office located at 801 Main Street in Darby. The man remained in the office for a brief time before leaving.

Police say Thomas returned at approximately 11:55 a.m., this time announcing a robbery while displaying a silver handgun and a demand note. However, he failed to obtain anything in this robbery attempt as well.

"The individual, who appears to be the same individual on surveillance video, shows up to Wells Fargo Bank in Springfield," Reginald Wade, U.S. Postal Inspector, said last week.

On Thursday January 23rd, authorities say he produced a demand note at the Wells Fargo Bank on Baltimore Pike in Springfield, Delaware County and got away with money.

Then at 12:30 p.m. there was another robbery at the M&T Bank on Limestone Road in Wilmington, Delaware. The suspect once again got away with money.

Thomas will appear in federal court Thursday.

Postal inspectors offered up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest. It is not clear who, if anyone, will receive the reward money.

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