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Police catch suspected serial bank robber in high-speed chase

Posted at 10:25 PM, Jan 13, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-13 22:33:36-05

PORTAGE, Mich — Law enforcement in southwest Michigan caught a suspected serial bank robber Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect is a 49-year-old man from Indiana. Portage Police said he robbed Old National Bank on Westnedge Avenue.

He is also accused of similar robberies that took place on Jan. 5 in Oshtemo Township and January 9 in South Haven.

After today’s robbery, Deputy Chief Nick Arnold said the ‘money dye’ pack exploded as the man ran from the bank. The suspect dropped the cash and drove away.

Arnold said witnesses picked up the cash and got a description of the suspect’s vehicle. A detective happened to spot the suspect’s white Chevy Impala, and
other officers joined the pursuit which lasted 15 to 20 minutes.

Detectives said the high-speed chase ended near mile marker 52 on I-94 in the Hartford area in Van Buren County, where Michigan State Police and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department used stop sticks.

Arnold said the suspect continued driving at about 30 miles per hour on flat tires. He ended up surrendering without incident and is being held in the Kalamazoo County Jail. He may be arraigned tomorrow.

Arnold said the FBI and other agencies are working to tie all three robberies together.