Alleged serial bank robber crashes car, ending police chase

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WHDH) -- A high-speed police chase came to crashing conclusion in Fall River Monday night after officers stopped a suspect in a series of bank robberies.

State police believe one man robbed eight banks -- one in Rhode Island and seven in Massachusetts. The suspect was arrested at gunpoint after the suspect crashed his car into another car and then a utility pole.

“The pursuit reached speeds of 100 miles-per hour,” said an official.

Scott Niemic, 34, was pulled from the car at gunpoint.

“The cops dragged him out of the car, he wouldn’t come out of the car,” said a witness.

Police say Niemic was spotted by FBI agents in Raynham. They say he sped up when officers tried to pull him over.

Officials said Niemic robbed a bank in Warwick, R.I. earlier this month after handing the teller a note. Warwick police worked hard to identify the suspect.

“It was actually our detective division that pieced this together, working with the Swansea Police Department, that we were able to develop him as the suspect and throw the warrant on him,” said Major Raymond Gallucci, Jr. of the Warwick Police Department.

Police say Niemic robbed at least seven other banks in Massachusetts -- officials say he was spotted driving the same getaway car. Niemic was arrested after going the wrong way down a one-way street and crashing into a car and sideswiping a utility pole.

Officials said Niemic’s car was filled with money.

“We are working in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office out of Providence, basically waiting for the decision on any federal charges, federal warrants that may be issued,” said Gallucci.

Niemic was treated at the hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

The suspect is expected to appear before a federal judge sometime on Tuesday.