Suspects in Saugus bank robbery in court

MALDEN, Mass. (WHDH) -- Two of the suspects in a bank robbery and police chase appeared in court on Monday. The attempted robbery turned into a shootout between the suspects and police on Friday.

The suspects, Michael Ginnetti and Gabriel Megna, appeared in court on Monday for their alleged role in a Saugus bank robbery and the subsequent shootout with police along Route 99 in Malden. One suspect, 35-year-old William Eekasala of East Boston, was shot and killed. Ginnetti and Megna were arrested.

Megna, 48, is accused of carjacking. He was arrested hours after police say he was the getaway driver for the suspects, including Ginnetti, who allegedly stormed into the Saugusbank on the Lynn Fells Parkway wearing masks and body armor. Police say Megna carjacked someone in an attempt to escape. According to court documents, Megna was unable to drive the getaway car because it was a stick shift.

One carjacking victim spoke out on Monday about the ordeal.

"It was pretty scary at the time, because then in the crossfire," said the woman.

The suspects left the bank with more than $5,000 in cash.

Police say the suspects opened fire around a large apartment complex, prompting an all-out manhunt.

“Today is, he’s pleading not guilty and the government has the burden of proving that he was there and proving that he did anything,” said Peter Marano, Ginnetti’s lawyer.

Megna is being held on $1 million bail. Ginnetti is being held without bail and is due back in court on Friday.

"I am positively shocked. Because on his own, he wouldn't steal a candy bar," said Tony Megna, suspect's father.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

(Copyright (c) 2012 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)