Car Crash Ends Pursuit Of Suspected Northeast Ohio Bank Robbers

BROOK PARK, OH — The FBI and local police departments arrested four men believed to have robbed a pair of banks on Sept. 19, one in Brook Park and another in Fairview Park. The suspects may be connected to other bank robberies throughout Northeast Ohio, a spokesperson for the FBI told Patch.

At about 9 a.m. on Sept. 19, the suspects hit North Coast Credit Union, 22735 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park. The duo then moved on to Best Rewards Credit Union, 5681 Smith Rd., Brook Park. In both instances, the men entered the bank wearing hoodies and aggressively threatened employees. One of the suspects was armed and pointed his weapon at bank staffers.

The suspects demanded money and employees complied. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Berea-Middleburg Heights newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

The suspects then fled the bank in a white Chrysler 200. Law enforcement responding to the scene spotted the possible suspect vehicle and "loose surveillance ensued," the spokesperson said. Additional resources were brought in to track the vehicle, including marked units and the Cleveland Police helicopter.

The suspects' sped up, likely trying to lose the surveillance, until they hit another car on E. 156th and Damon. The vehicle then collided with a parked car before coming to a stop.

Four people were found in the Chrysler. Two suspects were taken to receive medical attention and the other two were questioned by law enforcement. It was discovered that the Chrysler involved in the accident had been stolen in a carjacking on Sept. 18 in Cleveland Heights.

The FBI said further details on the matter cannot be revealed yet because law enforcement is still investigating.

Photos from FBI