22-year-old accused of threatening Nanuet bank teller with gun before fleeing on foot

Clarkstown cops found James Gordon about 20 minutes after the Chase Bank robbery was reported

NANUET, NY – A 22-year-old man allegedly walked into a Nanuet Chase Bank, told a teller he had a gun and demanded money before fleeing on foot, only to be spotted by a Clarkstown police officer about 20 minutes later.

James L. Gordon, 22, of Nanuet, was arrested Saturday and charged with first-degree robbery, fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree menacing, according to the Clarkstown Police Department.

Officers were dispatched to the Chase Bank at 61 Smith St. at approximately 11:05 a.m. following a reported robbery.

A witness told investigators that the suspect entered the bank at approximately 11 a.m. and approached a teller station.

Police allege the man told the teller he had a firearm and demanded money.

The suspect fled the bank on foot at approximately 11:01 a.m., according to police.

Responding officers obtained a detailed description and began searching the surrounding area while other officers remained at the bank to interview witnesses and gather evidence.

At approximately 11:20 a.m., an officer spotted a man matching the description behind 122 Route 59 and detained him.

Additional officers searched the surrounding area with assistance from K9 Jax.

Police subsequently identified the detained man as Gordon and took him into custody.

The department did not state in its release whether a firearm was recovered or disclose the amount of money allegedly taken from the bank.

Gordon was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court, where bail was set at $50,000 cash or a $100,000 bond.

He was then transported to the Rockland County Jail.

The charges are allegations, and Gordon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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Key Points

• James L. Gordon, 22, allegedly told a Chase Bank teller in Nanuet that he had a firearm and demanded money Saturday.
• Police found a man matching the suspect description about 20 minutes after the robbery was reported.
• Gordon faces robbery, grand larceny and menacing charges and was taken to the Rockland County Jail.