BOSTON (AP) – Paul Michael Callahan was a bank robber in search of a bank, according to police.

First thing Monday morning, he allegedly tried to rob a copy shop at Boston University thinking it was a bank. Boston police said he walked into the shop on Commonwealth Avenue and passed a note to a store employee asking for money. When he was told the shop wasn’t a bank, Callahan asked for directions to the nearest Fleet bank branch, police said.

About 40 minutes later, he allegedly robbed a Fleet branch – but came away with less than $200.

On Monday afternoon, Callahan allegedly held up a Citizen’s Bank, making off with $2,500. But a bright red dye pack exploded as he fled in his truck, which got a flat tire not far away.

In a last-ditch effort to get away, police said Callahan, covered in red dye, abandoned his truck and ran to a Brookline gas station, where he asked a customer there to use his cell phone. He wanted to report his truck stolen.

Police found Callahan, 32, hiding in the gas station. He was scheduled to be arraigned this morning on an armed robbery charge. More charges may follow, according to police.


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