‘Explosives’ in Connecticut Robbery Plot Were Hoaxes, Sources Say
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW BRITAIN, Conn.) — Two law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation into an attempted Connecticut credit union robbery have told ABC News that the devices that were initially believed to be explosives were actually hoaxes.
New details have emerged about the mysterious incident that took place in New Britain Monday, when credit union manager Matthew Yussman and his mother were forced to wear the devices.
The New Britain Police Department has released descriptions of the two male suspects who allegedly bound and held Yussman and his mother overnight before forcing him to drive to the Achieve Financial Credit Union and demand money.
At least one of the suspects is believed to be white and while they both spoke fluent English, they had “distinct accents that were not consistent with being native to Connecticut,” according to the police statement.
The men were reportedly wearing dark clothing, ski masks and ski goggles when Yussman, 46, arrived at the home he shared with his mother and the suspects took the pair hostage.
Police only learned Monday morning that anything was wrong. At that point, Yussman had a device “affixed to his body” and told to go to the credit union to “obtain money.” During that time, his mother was bound to a bed with a similar device.
Few details have been released about the devices, which are now being tested by the FBI.
“Based on statements from the suspects and the appearance of the device, the victim believed this to be an explosive device,” the New Britain Police statement said.
It was only when Yussman arrived at the credit union and an employee called police that law enforcement responded and his device was “eventually rendered safe” by the Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad, according to the police statement.
The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information about the suspects or their car, which they believe was “an older model white four-door Mazda,” to call in with tips.
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