Despite manhunt, armed robber escapes in Niagara Falls, New York on Christmas Day

Despite manhunt, armed robber escapes
Updated: Monday, 26 Dec 2011, 6:14 PM EST
Published : Monday, 26 Dec 2011, 6:14 PM EST

George Richert
Posted by: Eli George
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - The armed holdup of a cabbie triggered a massive manhunt in Niagara Falls early Monday.

It was Christmas night at around 9:30 p.m. when a taxi driver says a man who he believes had a handgun demanded his money and ran off in the area of Packard Road in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Police Lt. Jay Fisher said, "Basically, a man with a gun had taken his money. The suspect exited the cab and at that point, the cab driver began to follow him for a while and he was last seen in the area of 47th near a large scrap metal yard and it appeared he may have entered the yard."

47th Street and Niagara Falls Boulevard is where several other agencies joined the search, including the Lewiston Police K-9 unit, Erie County Sheriff's Air One helicopter, Town of Niagara, State Park Police and U.S. Border Patrol. But several hours of searching turned up no trace of the man.

The taxi driver was not hurt and describes the gunman as a black male in his early 20's, about 5'7" or 5'8", about 130 pounds, clean shaven with short hair.

"Your would hope these things never happen, but you just never know," said Lt. Fisher.

Anyone with information is asked to call Niagara Falls Detectives at 286-4553.

Copyright WIVB.com

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