Man arrested after allegedly trying to rob three New York banks armed with toilet plunger

A MAN was arrested after attempting to rob three banks in New York state armed with a toilet plunger.

Lawrence Deptola, 49, was held after officers in an unmarked police car saw him walking away from the Key Bank in Utica, WKTV reported.

When he saw the officers, Deptola allegedly tried to run away but was taken into custody. He was charged with attempted robbery.

Utica police responded to reports of an attempted robbery at Key Bank and were also contacted by two other banks that said a man demanded money.

Bank employees said the suspect yelled obscenities, asked tellers to put money in a bag and threatened staff with the plunger.

The plunger was later recovered inside another bank.