"Batman" may be behind other East Albany crimes - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

"Batman" may be behind other East Albany crimes

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Albany Police continue to search for "Batman" after a man dressed as the superhero pulled a gun on an officer behind an east Albany bank.

A couple of weeks ago, a man dressed as the comic book hero robbed the east Albany Pizza Hut.

Wednesday night an officer shot at Batman who may have been poised to commit another robbery.

"He was wearing a Batman mask and a cape. That is what the officer described seeing," said APD Media Manager Phyllis Banks.

APD officer Todd Barbee was escorting a Captain D's employee to the night deposit box behind SB&T on East Oglethorpe when they heard a noise.

"He advises her to get back in her vehicle for security. He proceeds to canvass the area and hears the noise again near the AC units," said Banks.

Lurking near the units was an armed man in a Batman costume.

"He gives his commands to stop. He does not comply. He turns and points a weapon at the officer. It's at that point that the officer fires one shot," Banks said.

The bullet missed and the caped and costumed crook took off running towards Hidden Oaks apartments where he vanished.

It sparked a massive search that included K-9's and a Georgia State Patrol helicopter.

Less than 2 weeks ago, a gunman in a Batman costume robbed the Pizza Hut, just one business over. And it's possible that might have been his target again.

"We really don't have a clear idea as to why he was in the area. He could be potentially canvassing the area to attempt another robbery," said Banks.

But the crook's desire to dress like the caped crusader could come back on him.

Police hope someone out there has noticed the costume and knows who's behind the mask..

This is the second time in barely a week that an Albany Police officer shot at a suspect and missed.

Last Tuesday, an officer shot at a 19-year old burglary suspect who pulled a gun on him in northwest Albany.

Police praised Office Barbee for his actions of following protocol and likely thwarting a crime against a person or business in the process.

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