Collar Bomb Bank Heist

The collar neck bomb bank heist, also known as the pizza bomber case, is a true crime story that took place in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2003. It was a bizarre and tragic incident that involved a bank robbery, a homemade explosive device, and a hostage situation that resulted in the death of the victim.

The heist began on August 28, 2003, when a man named Brian Wells walked into the PNC Bank in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was wearing a strange-looking collar around his neck that appeared to be a bomb. Wells handed a note to the teller, demanding $250,000. He told the teller that he had been forced to rob the bank by unknown assailants who had attached the bomb to his neck.

The teller complied with Wells' demands, handing over $8,702 in cash, which was placed into a bag. Wells then left the bank and began to wander around the area, still wearing the collar bomb. Shortly after leaving the bank, he was apprehended by police officers.

As the police tried to defuse the bomb, it detonated, killing Wells instantly. The investigation that followed revealed a web of deceit, conspiracy, and murder that had been orchestrated by a group of individuals who had lured Wells into a trap.

The investigation revealed that Wells had been a pawn in a larger scheme. He had been approached by a woman named Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, who was serving a sentence for killing her boyfriend. Diehl-Armstrong had convinced Wells to participate in a bank robbery, telling him that the bomb was fake and that he would be able to remove it after the heist.

The truth was far more sinister. The bomb was real, and Diehl-Armstrong had enlisted the help of several individuals, including a man named Bill Rothstein, to construct the explosive device. The plan was to rob the bank, force Wells to wear the bomb, and then use him as a hostage to ensure their escape.

However, the plan went awry when the police apprehended Wells before the conspirators had a chance to collect the money and free him. The bomb went off before the police bomb squad could deactivate it, killing Wells and exposing the twisted plot that had led to his death.

The investigation into the collar neck bomb bank heist revealed a complex web of relationships, motivations, and criminal activity. Diehl-Armstrong was the mastermind behind the plot, but she was not acting alone. Rothstein, who had been the initial designer of the bomb, had died of natural causes before the heist took place. However, his involvement was revealed through a letter he left behind, which detailed the plan and implicated Diehl-Armstrong.

The investigation also revealed that Diehl-Armstrong had a long history of mental illness and criminal activity. She had been involved in several murders and was considered a danger to society. Her involvement in the collar neck bomb heist was just one chapter in a life marked by deceit, manipulation, and violence.

The collar neck bomb bank heist was a tragic and disturbing incident that shocked the nation. It revealed the lengths that some people will go to in order to satisfy their greed and the devastating consequences that can result from such actions. The victims of this crime, including Brian Wells, the innocent victim who lost his life, and the members of his family, who were forced to endure the trauma of his death and the subsequent investigation, will never be forgotten.

The legacy of the collar neck bomb bank heist lives on in the public consciousness, as a cautionary tale of the dangers of greed and the importance of vigilance in the face of criminal activity. It also serves as a reminder of the bravery of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect the public from such heinous crimes.

The collar neck bomb bank heist also highlighted the need for mental health resources and support for those who may be struggling with mental illness. Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong's history of mental illness was a significant factor in her involvement in the crime. The tragedy could have been prevented if she had received the support and care she needed to manage her condition.

In the aftermath of the collar neck bomb bank heist, there were changes made to bank security measures, including the implementation of dye packs, which explode and stain the stolen money, making it easier to identify. There was also an increased emphasis on the use of surveillance cameras and other security measures to deter and prevent bank robberies.

The collar neck bomb bank heist is a case that will continue to be studied and analyzed by criminologists, psychologists, and law enforcement professionals. The complex dynamics of the conspirators and the use of a homemade explosive device make this case unique and challenging. It also highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies and the need for public awareness and involvement in preventing and solving crimes.

The collar neck bomb bank heist was a tragedy that shook the nation and highlighted the dangers of greed and the importance of mental health support. The innocent victim, Brian Wells, and his family, along with the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene, will never be forgotten. The legacy of this case lives on as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of vigilance, cooperation, and support for those struggling with mental illness. We must learn from this tragedy to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.