Darth Vader bank robber used rifle as show of Force

PINEVILLE, N.C., March 18 (UPI) -- Police said a real-life villain dressed as Star Wars antagonist Darth Vader robbed a North Carolina bank at gunpoint.

Pineville Police said the man in the Darth Vader costume was seen sitting an a sport-utility vehicle in the parking lot of the State Employees Credit Union for several minutes Monday morning before walking into the bank armed with a long gun and demanding cash.

"Very highly unusual, highly unusual," Lt. Corey Copley told WCNC-TV. "You see all kinds of disguises here and there, but this one in my experience is the most unusual."

Copley said the approximately 5-foot, 5-inch-tall Sith lord's choice of weapon, an apparent rifle, contributed further to the unusual nature of the incident.

"A small handgun would be the way to do it, but a long gun is definitely another rare situation in this case," Copley said.

The lieutenant said police are looking into who might own a Darth Vader costume.

"He has shown somebody that he's got this and hopefully the person, one of your viewers, will be able to see and call and give us some tips on that," he told WCNC-TV.

Police said the suspect left with thousands of dollars and fled in a Chevrolet Suburban.