Briefly... CITY/REGION

FBI hunts serial bank robber

The FBI is trying to track down a serial bank robber who has held up four banks in the city since February, the latest the HSBC Bank at 15th and Market streets Friday.

In the latest holdup, the man, - described as a medium-sized black man with a mustache, close-cropped hair and receding hairline - presented a demand note to a teller at 2 p.m. and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

He also is suspected of the robberies of the Conestoga Bank at 16th and Walnut streets on Feb. 22, and again on March 10; the Firstrust Bank at 15th and Market on March 26; and the TD BankNorth branch at 16th and Market on April 15. Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call the FBI at 215-418-4000.

Philly student in talent showcase

Erica Mendez, 16-year-old sophomore at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, has been selected to participate in the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase Friday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, N.J.

Erica will compete in the teen vocal category. The multitalented Erica has also earned membership in the National High School Society of Scholars for her outstanding academic achievements.

Show on black mariners set

"Black Hands, Blue Seas," an exhibit that explores the untold stories of the African-American maritime experience, will have its Philadelphia premier at Independence Seaport Museum from June 6 to March 22.

The museum expanded and developed the exhibit's Philadelphia components and introduced the concept of the Delaware River as the "Underwater Railroad." The exhibit was created at Mystic Seaport Museum and will travel the country.

Chester fire injures 1

An afternoon fire at a Chester apartment complex sent one resident to the hospital in unknown condition yesterday.

The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. at the Wallingford Estates on Madison Street near Houston and was brought under control within the hour.

Shore air crash victims ID'd

State police have identified the two victims of Saturday's deadly small-plane crash at the Jersey Shore.

The dead are pilot John Ambroult, 60, of Eastham, Mass., and 41-year-old Stephen Claussen of Seattle. Two other passengers, seriously injured when the plane crashed in southern Ocean County, are Jacalyn Brown, 28, of Pemberton and Juan Carlos Salinas, 43, of Mexico City.

The plane flew out of the Millville Airport, as part of a federal study of coastal birds and wind currents along the Jersey Shore, where developers have proposed installing wind turbines.

- Staff and wire reports