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U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation


In Reply, Please Refer to Release No. 219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604

 

 

May 8, 2001

Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested

Kathleen L. McChesney, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today the arrest of RICARDO DIAZ, age 32, of 1849 West 51st Street in Chicago. DIAZ was arrested by FBI Agents late Friday afternoon, following a high speed vehicle and foot chase near his residence.

DIAZ was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with the May 3, 2001 robbery of the Park Federal Savings Bank, 5400 South Pulaski Road in Chicago. In the complaint, it is alleged that DIAZ entered the bank just before 6:00 P.M. and orally announced a robbery. He then vaulted the teller's counter and removed in excess of $16,000 from several teller's drawers. DIAZ then fled the bank and escaped in a green mini-van, which was parked nearby. Witnesses obtained a description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, which was provided to authorities.

Extensive investigation by the FBI traced the van, which had been reported stolen in January 2001, to DIAZ at his residence. Late Friday afternoon, this van, which was being driven by DIAZ, left the DIAZ residence. DIAZ attempted to elude pursuing FBI Agents for over one mile. He then abandoned the vehicle, attempting to flee on foot. DIAZ was caught by pursuing Agents, without injury.

After appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward Bobrick, DIAZ was ordered held without bond, pending his next scheduled court appearance.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.




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