The Portal branch of the Banco Popular Dominicano was robbed on 26 September in what witnesses call “a movie-like operation”. The lone robber got away with RD$842,121.00, according to employees. The Listin Diario newspaper reports that the man entered the building just before 3 pm, when the security guard locked the front door which means that the bank is closed to the public until the next working day. Upon walking to the front door to be let out, the thief held a gun to the guard and took away his shotgun. The remaining customers and employees inside the bank were ordered to drop to the floor as the suspect put the money in a bag. He then ordered one of the customers to show him where his car was, took the keys and made his getaway.
A police sketch of the suspect was made with the help of witnesses. According to detectives in their preliminary conclusion, after talking to witnesses, the man acted alone in the robbery, although various employees of the bank and the security guard were detained for questioning. After the incident, a spokesman for the Banco Popular Dominicano, Jose Marmol, said that security measures in all branches will be increased.