Utica man in police custody after attempting to rob a bank with a toilet plunger

A Utica man is in police custody tonight after reportedly trying to rob a bank earlier today in Utica.

This all happened at Key Bank on the corner of Hopper and Genesee Streets.

But, this serious crime has some community members Eyewitness News spoke with laughing about situation.

"I hope he has a good time in jail," says Ben Gaetano of New Hartford.

49-year-old Lawrence Deptola of Utica is now charged with attempted robbery after police say he tried to rob several banks on Genesee Street.

But, what's striking about this incident is his choice of weapon, a plunger.

"A plunger really, really? I mean if someone has a gun it's a different animal," said John Luciano.

Police say Deptola threatened the bank teller at Key Bank with a toilet plunger, demanding money.

"I think it's dumb, hilarious and genius. And as long as no one gets hurt it's a wonderful thing," said Gaetano.

Although this serious crime may be humorous to some, Sergeant Steve Hauck of the UPD says this could have turned much worse.

"You know officers are responding to these calls. They don't know what the person's armed with. All you know is that someone goes into a bank and attempts to rob it. You just have to assume that they're armed," said Sgt. Hauck.

But, Sgt. Hauck says he understands why people may find it funny. The toilet plunger was found across the street at the Citizens Bank. Luckily, there were no reported injuries in this incident.