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Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009

Accused robber caught after vehicle chase

Suspect fled on foot after stopping in Newman.

GUSTINE -- A man accused of robbing a Bank of America on Tuesday is behind bars after a vehicle pursuit with law enforcement.

Thomas Miller, 25, entered the bank at 208 Fifth St. around 9:40 a.m., according to interim Gustine Police Chief Jeff Schindler. Officers from the Newman Police Department, California Highway Patrol and Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department assisted in the arrest.

Schindler said the robber didn't visibly brandish a weapon, but ordered the clerk to hand over cash.

The clerk complied with the suspect's demands and the robber was seen driving away in a green late model Ford Escort on Highway 33 toward Newman. A witness was able to follow the suspect, and relayed his whereabouts to police dispatch, Schindler said.

The suspect's car, which was stolen, was spotted in Newman by an officer. The suspect stopped his car near the loading dock of Nob Hill Foods, located at 1945 N St. in Newman, and fled on foot. About 45 minutes later, officers found Miller in a nearby apartment complex, and he was taken into custody.

Miller was booked on suspicion of robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful taking of a vehicle. He's being held in lieu of $90,000 bail.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.