A cross-dressing Long Island bank robber who wore pink lipstick, a powder-blue ski jacket and a brunette wig was busted after a quick-thinking teller set off a dye pack that drenched the thief and his stolen loot in bright red pigment, officials said yesterday.
Cops said Peter Kleckowski, 44, of Holtsville, walked into the Bank of Smithtown in Centereach on Tuesday afternoon wearing a shoulder-length wig and makeup – and told a teller he had a gun.
After the bandit ordered the teller to fill a nylon bag with cash, she stuffed it with cash – including the dye. Once Kleckowski was safely outside, she electronically triggered the device, showering the astonished Kleckowski in dye, police said.
Employees said they were convinced the robber was a woman.
“It’s not a usual occurrence to have a bank robber use makeup, a wig and rouge,” said Detective Sgt. Robert Doyle. “He definitely went the extra mile.” Kleckowski faces 25 years to life if convicted. Bail was set at $200,500.
Cops said he had a long criminal history that included convictions for 20 violent felonies.