Serial bank robbery suspect now in federal custody

WARWICK, R.I. (WHDH) -- A suspect, wanted for several bank robberies in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, was arraigned on Tuesday following a high-speed chase.

Scott Niemic, 34, was arrested on Monday night following a high-speed police chase that ended in Fall River, Mass. Niemic was arrested after going the wrong way down a one-way street and crashing into a car, then sideswiping a utility pole.

“The pursuit reached speeds of 100 miles-per hour,” said Major Tony Thomas of the Massachusetts State Police.

Investigators said Niemic is believed to be behind seven bank robberies in Massachusetts and a robbery at a Sovereign Bank in Warwick, R.I. Court documents said in the case of the Warwick robbery, he whispered to the teller “This is a robbery, give me all your money and no dye money.”

Evidence in Niemic’s smashed vehicle could link him to the robberies in Massachusetts.

“Located in his vehicle were assorted denominations of U.S. currency banded,” said Thomas.

“This was a classic case. As you can see he did commit one here in the state of Rhode Island and continued -- he was from Massachusetts -- continued his endeavors in the state of Massachusetts,” said Major Raymond Gallucci of the Warwick, R.I. Police Department.

Niemic is being held on $75,000 bail in connection with the Rhode Island charge. There was a federal warrant out for his arrest, so he has been taken into federal custody. Niemic will answer to additional robbery charges.