Police: Woman claims family being held hostage, attempts to rob bank to ‘save' them

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 69-year-old woman is facing charges in connection with a robbery attempt at a Mount Pleasant Township bank Thursday, police said.

Authorities said Mary Clark drove up to the drive-thru at the First Niagara Bank and handed a teller a note that said her family members were being held hostage and that they’d all be killed if she didn’t get any money.%

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Clark was wearing a surgical mask, sunglasses and a dark hat when she pulled up. Her license plate was also covered with a mint green towel.

Clark then left before receiving any money.

Tellers at the bank gave a description of Clark and it was not long before officers spotted the vehicle, pulling her over.

“I'm thinking -- wow that's kinda strange,” said resident Diane Patterson when she heard of the incident.

Police said Clark explained that she had a change of heart and that she "would never hurt anyone and it was a mistake.” Clark said she was "having financial problems but drove away before they gave her money because she knew it was wrong."

Clark is in the Westmoreland County jail on a $50,000 bond.

Cox Media Group