POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Broward Sheriff's Office deputies shot and killed a serial bank robber Friday after they were forced to stop his getaway vehicle on Interstate 95 near Copans Road in Pompano Beach.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, about 11:21 a.m. Friday, the armed walked into the Chase Bank at 2285 N. Federal Highway, pulled on a ski mask, but then realized bullet proof glass had been installed at the teller windows since he last robbed the bank. The same bank was robbed on May 10 and on June 15.
Recommended Videos
"Between the last bank robbery and this bank robbery, they had installed bullet proof glass," said Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti. "So, when he saw that bullet proof glass there, he said I'm getting out of here."
BSO said a bank employee called 911 and gave dispatchers a description of the vehicle and its tag. BSO then saw him driving east on Atlantic Boulevard, where the chase began.
The bank robber began heading north on I-95, where BSO deputy German Bickbau executed a PIT maneuver just north of Copans Road, causing the bank robber's truck to roll over and crash, said police. Bickbau, 48, was injured when his car hit a light pole.
17243340
Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti said Bickbau tried the PIT maneuver four times but the robber tried ramming him off the road. Lamberti added that Bickbau recalled executing the PIT maneuver and hitting the light pole.
"He had his gun in his hand as he was coming out of his vehicle," said Lamberti.
BSO said two deputies shot the bank robber, killing him. They then dragged his body out of the truck, fearing it may ignite.
According to the FBI, the robber robbed at least two banks in Broward County, including a Bank Atlantic at 1299 S. Military Trail in Deerfield Beach three different times in August, six different times. He has served three years in federal prison for bank robbery.
"He's been convicted in other states and served time in other states. He was also arrested here in 1990," said FBI agent David Beall.
The bank robber's name was not immediately released.
Bickbau, 48, who was injured in the crash, was transported to Broward Health Medical Center. Lamberti said may have a minor fracture in his lower vertebrae.
Bickbau is a 12-year veteran with BSO. He was assigned to the Pompano Beach District.
Several BSO deputies arrived shortly after Bickbau was transported to the hospital. FBI agents also came to speak with Bickbau.
As of 4:45 p.m., three northbound lanes of I-95 were open at Copans Road. The Copans Road ramp to I-95 northbound remained closed. Traffic was backed up to Oakland Park Boulevard.