Updated 12:30 a.m.
Suffolk County Police searched the neighborhood behind TD Bank in East Northport Friday night after the location at 517 Larkfield Road was robbed by a man wearing a Mardi Gras mask.
Police say a man made a verbal demand for cash at 7:10 p.m. The teller complied and the suspect fled the bank on foot, heading in an easterly direction behind the bank.
A police helicopter and K-9 unit were brought in to aid the search.
Witnesses were still being interviewed inside the bank as of 8 p.m.
Police describe the man as having a slim build and medium height. He was last seen wearing a Mardi Gras type mask, gloves, and a dark hooded sweatshirt under a silver and blue down jacket.
The incident was a reminder of the summer of 2011 when the Northport area was being stalked by a serial bank robber. Suffolk Police, with help from Northport Police officers, caught up with Michael Walsh, of East Elmhurst, in July 2011. He was charged in six bank heists.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.
Correction: The Greenlawn Fire Department was in the area, according to the department, but at an unrelated event.
