Bellator veteran Sergio Da Silva arrested for alleged role in bank robbery

The NYPD claims the fighter stole more than $45,000 from Astoria Citibank in August.

Last week the New York Police Department announced that they had arrested Sergio DaSilva, a 31-year-old New York resident described by the New York Post as a “lousy MMA fighter.” Da Silva is accused of robbing Astoria Citibank in Astoria, Queens last month.

According to the Post’s report the Astoria Citibank robbery happened around 9 a.m. on August 27th, and was committed by a man dressed in dark pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, and a bandana covering the lower half of his face. The robber reportedly told the three bank tellers who were working at the time that he had a gun in his coat pocket and he would “shoot everybody” if they did not hand over the bank’s money.

The robber fled after tellers handed over $45,964 in cash.

On August 31st DaSilva was arrested at his home, which is less than a block away from the Astoria Citibank where the robbery took place. Police claim they identified DaSilva as the culprit due to fingerprints left at the scene, which they matched to a prior arrest.

On September 1st DaSilva took to Facebook to share his side of the story. “Crazy day to say the least,” he wrote. “I am truly overwhelmed by all the love and support.” The rest of DaSilva’s message describes how his attorney is ‘working hard’ to ‘clear up’ the case. “As much as I would love to speak more about the allegations my legal team has rightfully advised me against discussing any details until the case is over.”

DaSilva (6-9), whose nickname is ‘The Savage’ according to Sherdog, last fought at the Bellator NYC show on June 24th, 2017. There he lost to Matt Rizzo by submission in the third round. Prior to that fight he competed nine times in the east coast based Cage Fury Fighting Championships promotion. DaSilva also fought for Bellator in 2013, against Robert Sullivan at Bellator 108.

DaSilva is considered innocent until proven guilty.