Police: Thief stole 86 lb. bucket of gold flakes worth $1.6M

NYPD releases video of the theft

Credit: Rosner, Brett (CMG-Atlanta)

Credit: Rosner, Brett (CMG-Atlanta)

NYPD releases video of the theft

NEW YORK (AP) - Police in New York City are looking for a quick-thinking thief who stole an 86-pound bucket of gold flakes worth nearly $1.6 million off an armored truck in Manhattan.

The unidentified thief swiped the 5-gallon metal bucket off the back of the vehicle on Sept. 29 when a guard briefly went to the truck's cab to reportedly retrieve his cellphone.

The incident occurred in broad daylight on West 48th Street in New York City's Midtown section. Police say the suspect likely didn't know what the bucket contained.

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Police say the thief lugged the gold flakes up the street, taking an hour to complete what would normally be considered a 10-minute walk. He then hopped into a white van and fled.

The suspect is believed to be hiding out in Florida.

NYPD: Thief Stole 86-Pound Bucket of Gold Flakes Worth $1.6 Mi...

NYPD is looking for quick-thinking thief who lifted an 86-pound bucket of gold flakes worth $1.6 million off an armored truck when the guard wasn't looking. Authorities say the suspect is believed to be hiding out in Florida. http://abcn.ws/2gvYFi0

Posted by ABC News on Wednesday, November 30, 2016