which bank was it? And is it PC to ask whether the alleged perpetrator can be identified by race?

Here's the description from the Washington Post article:

"Police said the robber was described as a black male, with a medium to dark complexion, weighing about 170 to 190 pounds, and wearing a black hat, black jacket, black or gray shoes, and gray trousers."

170-190 pounds (Post), 5 feet tall and "skinny"? (Patch) better the check the police report.

Here's another police report, from this morning, about an armed robbery at the shop across the street (give or take a few yards) from the police station
http://cathyplevy.blogspot.com/

"On September 25, 2012, at approximately 10:48 a.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the 7500 block of Maple Avenue (Maple Market) for a commercial armed robbery. One suspect entered the establishment and robbed an employee at gunpoint, while another suspect stood look-out. Property was stolen. The suspects fled in a vehicle heading northbound on Maple Avenue towards Sherman Avenue to Carroll Avenue. No one was physically injured. The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect 1: black male, wearing sunglasses, black or blue suit, white shirt, checkered tie, fedora-style hat, white socks, and holding a gun.
Suspect 2: (look-out) Hispanic male, light blue coat, jeans, 160 lbs, short hair, light skin.
Suspect vehicle: Silver Toyota Camry with Maryland tags.
These are the only details that I have at the moment and will update further when information is received."

and here's the corrected police report on last night's armed robbery and shooting. The height of the suspect in the original report was off by a foot, accounting for the discrepancy.

"CORRECTED as to height of the suspect look-out: it should be 6'0 tall. Thank you.

On September 24, 2012, at approximately 6:58 p.m., a citizen was exiting a local bank in the 1100 block of University Blvd. when approached by a black male with a handgun. The victim was shot and money was stolen. The victim is suffering from non-life threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. The suspect is described as a black male, medium to dark skinned, approximately 6’0, skinny build, 170-190 lbs., last seen wearing a black hat, black jacket, black or gray shoes, and gray pants made out of "slack" material (not jeans), with a handgun."

Yes, Steve. We got the height correct based on the first police report. we are amending the story now with the new information.

And here is the Maple Market story. http://takomapark.patch.com/articles/takoma-park-maple-market-robbed-at-gunpoint