Robbery suspect caught red-handed after dye-pack explodes

An alleged bank robber was literally caught red-handed — and red shoe-ed and sock-ed — Wednesday.

Police nabbed the suspect after someone saw him putting red-stained money into a coin machine at a movie theater in West Valley City. He was apparently doused when an anti-theft dye pack exploded after he robbed the Bank of Utah branch at 711 S. State St., said Salt Lake City police.

The 20-year-old got away with the booby-trapped cash after he passed a note to the teller demanding money about 9:45 a.m. Wednesday.

She handed him bills from the drawer. He put them in his backpack and left.

When police caught up with the alleged robber later that day, he had red-stained shoes and socks, and "a large amount" of cash stained with red dye, according to a report.

The man was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

lwhitehurst@sltrib.com

Twitter: @lwhitehurst