Rotterdam detectives have successfully apprehended two individuals in connection with the October 27th robbery of the Pioneer Savings Bank located on Altamont Avenue. The arrests, made on Sunday, bring a swift development to the case that initially rattled the local community.
The suspects have been identified as James Matzen, a 22-year-old from Troy, and Lauren Sankowski, 30, of Schenectady. Matzen is facing serious felony charges, including Robbery in the First Degree (Class B felony) and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class D felony). Sankowski is charged with Robbery in the Third Degree (Class D felony) and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class D felony).
Both Matzen and Sankowski were arraigned before Honorable Jason Frament. The court has set a bond for Matzen at $100,000 or a $50,000 cash alternative. Sankowski’s bond was set at $20,000, with a $10,000 cash option. They have been remanded as the legal proceedings continue.
The robbery at the Pioneer Savings Bank on Altamont Avenue occurred on Thursday night. Rotterdam Police Department responded to a hold-up alarm at the bank around 6:20 pm. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that a robbery had indeed taken place.
According to investigators, a white male suspect entered the bank and presented a handwritten note to a teller. The note indicated that he was armed, although no weapon was visible. The suspect demanded money, threatening harm to the teller if the demands were not met. The teller complied, handing over an undisclosed sum of cash. The suspect then fled on foot in the direction of Altamont Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The suspect was described as a white male in his mid-thirties, approximately 5’4” tall, with a thin build. He was noted to be wearing dark makeup around his eyes and was dressed in a dark hooded jacket and dark jeans.
Rotterdam detectives received valuable assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Colonie Police Department during the investigation, highlighting inter-agency cooperation in resolving this case concerning the Pioneer Savings Bank on Altamont Avenue. Authorities are still urging anyone with further information related to this incident to contact Rotterdam Detectives at 355-7397.
