WNY bank robber nabbed after crashing stolen car in Pennsylvania
OLEAN, N.Y. (WIVB) – The suspect in a string of Southern Tier bank robberies was arrested Thursday morning after his alleged crime spree ended with a high-speed chase in Pennsylvania.
39-year-old Edwin McPeak Jr. of Olean is facing numerous felony charges in Pennsylvania, and more charges are pending in New York. Bail was set at $1 million.
Authorities said McPeak first robbed a bank in Olean around 9 a.m. Thursday, shortly after stealing a vehicle by gunpoint, before proceeding to rob another bank in Portville around 9:30.
McPeak then allegedly made the short drive over the state line and robbed another bank in Eldred. Police in Pennsylvania reported that witnesses told them a man wearing a mask and holding a gun entered the bank and said, "No one‘s going to get hurt. Give me all of your money."
The McKean County District Attorney's Office said police located McPeak's vehicle traveling south on State Route 446 and onto State Route 46, but he fled at a high rate of speed once they attempted to pull him over. McPeak was apprehended after allegedly crashing his stolen vehicle near Rew Hill, approximately 6 miles from where police first saw him. He sustained minor injuries.
McPeak is being held in McKean County Jail in Smethport. He was charged in Pennsylvania with:
- Two counts of robbery, with a deadly weapon enhancement (one of a financial institution; and one for placing a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury)
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
- Theft by unlawful taking (cash)
- Two counts terroristic threats
- Receiving stolen property (vehicle)
- Firearms not to be carried without a license
- Summary traffic violations
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's office at (716) 938-2273 or (716) 938-2239.