San Diego Suspected Bank Robber Leads Police on Chase
After a San Diego, Carmel Mountain Ranch area bank was robbeed, the suspected bank robber led police on a wild chase that lasted 45 minutes. Police were finally able to force the suspect to stop and take him into custody.
Thomas Lavalle, 61, was arrested after robbing a Bank of America branch in Carmel Mountain.
The suspected bank robber was driving erratically in a silver Honda Civic when he sped through stop signs in neighborhoods of Carmel Mountain Ranch and Rancho Penesquitos. He then led police on a chase throughout several different freeways while topping 100mph and driving on the wrong side of the road at times.
Lavalle was finally arrested by San Diego Police about 6:55 pm when he ran over a tire-flattening spike that eventually shredded his tires and made him stop.
According to police Lavalle is a convicted felon who has lived in many areas of San Diego and all over the country.
Lavelle is facing robbery charges, evading police, carrying a loaded gun in public and being a felon in possession of a concealed weapon. His bail is set at $1 million dollars.
Robberies are the most serious of all theft crimes. Robberies is divided into First or second Degree. If two or more persons are charged with First degree Robbery, the punishment can be 3, 6, or 9 years in state prison.
The amount of time increases significantly if a weapon or firearm is used in a robbery.
All robberies, regardless of degree are “Strikes under California Three Strikes Law.
Wild, Wrong-Way Pursuit Ends In Arrest Of Bank Robbery Suspect, 10 News.com, March 13, 2009
Suspected Bank Robber Held On $1 Million Bail, News 10.com, March 16,2009
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in San Diego, then contact a San Diego criminal lawyer. The criminal attorneys at the San Diego Law Center will discuss your legal options at a free consultation.
