Vandergrift man charged in connection with Apollo Trust Bank robbery

Police have released details concerning the robbery of the Apollo Trust Bank in North Apollo on Monday and the arrest of Vandergrift man charged with the crime.

Bradley James Mondi, 33, remains behind bars while awaiting a July 21 preliminary hearing at the Armstrong County Jail after failing to post bond. He is charged with robbery, theft and related charges.

In the criminal complaint against hime, police said Mondi entered the bank, located at 2113 River Road, at around 2 p.m. and pulled out a large red bag from under his sweatshirt.

Mondi told three bank tellers to give him “all the money — no dye packs or bait money.”

The employees complied, handing Mondi a total of $6,666 from their respective teller drawers, police said.

Bank employees said Mondi didn’t have a gun or robbery note.

Mondi fled the bank on foot along River Road toward North Vandergrift where he was spotted by Kiski Township Police Officer Ron Baustert.

Baustert drew his weapon, ordering Mondi to the ground. But police said Mondi fled on foot toward Gravel Bar Road.

Construction workers near the scene told police they saw Mondi flee behind Niki’s Quick Six, located on River Road in Parks Township.

Police said they arrested Mondi behind the business without incident and located the stolen money. Authorities said that bank employees had placed “bait” money among the stolen cash, police said. Bait money is a security feature used by banks using sequentially numbered bills with known serial numbers that can be traced.

Kiski Township police were assisted by Vandergrift and Apollo police.

The FBI was notified and is investigating.