CKUA

[Arctec]

An unemployed Queens man allegedly robbed banks to pay for hormonal medication necessary to maintain a “female physique,” police said.

Patrick Smith, 42, of 93-19 Hollis Court was arrested by Fifth Precinct Police Officers David Januszewski and Rita Bopp Carroll as he gazed through the window of a bank on Hempstead Turnpike that he had robbed before, said Robbery Squad Det. Sgt. Gary Schriffen.

Police charged Smith with four counts of third-degree robbery for incidents beginning in February. He got away with about $6,400, Schriffen said.

None of the money was recovered.

Smith wore heavy winter coats during the robberies, police said, but after his arrest it became apparent to officers that he had breasts. “The ensuing investigation revealed that the proceeds were used to maintain the necessary hormonal medication to maintain his female physique,” Schriffen said.

Smith, who is unemployed, told officers he is transsexual, but he has had no surgery to change his gender, police said.

Police said that the first robbery occurred at 2:25 p.m. Feb. 6 at a Citibank at 1060 Hempstead Tpke. Smith entered the bank and handed the teller a hand-written note demanding money, warning that he had a gun and would begin shooting if his demands weren’t met, Schriffen said. He shoved the money in his pockets and fled before officers arrived.

Police said similar scenarios unfolded on Feb. 18 at a Citibank at 925 Hempstead Turnpike, and on Feb. 26 at a Ridgewood Savings Bank at 1010 Hempstead Tpke. on Feb. 26. Detectives realized the suspect had been targeting banks in a small area and circulated pictures taken from the banks’ surveillance cameras throughout the area.

Smith struck the same Citibank at 925 Hempstead Turnpike on March 7, getting away with about $1,800, police said.