Bank robber suspect’s nickname cashes in on Star Wars frenzy

PORTLAND – Authorities in Oregon are taking advantage of the frenzy around the opening day of the latest Star Wars movie to catch a bad guy of their own.

Police in Portland on Friday nicknamed an alleged bank robber the “Palpatine Bandit” because of the dark-colored hoodie he wears during bank hold-ups.

Emperor Sheev Palpatine, also known as the Darth Sidious in the Star Wars franchise, wears a dark and hooded cloak.

The next installment in the movie franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, opens in theaters Friday.

Police departments often give nicknames to bank robbery suspects to help generate tips from the public.

Police say this real-life robber held up a U.S. Bank branch on Thursday but was not armed.

He got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.