Published On: Mon, Aug 30th, 2010

Feds join local and county law enforcement to nab bank robber who shot and wounded customer

From U.S. Department of Justice

BOCA RATON — Wilfredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office; Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti and Boca Raton Police Chief Daniel C. Alexander have announced the arrest of Michael Anthony Price, 43, of Coconut Creek, on charges stemming from two bank robberies, in Boca Raton and Coconut Creek.

Investigators said Price was identified from a Crime Stoppers tip after the tipster saw media reports about the alleged bandit. Price has been charged with bank robbery and with the use of a firearm in the commission of each heist.

The first bank robbery took place the morning of Friday, August 13 at the PNC Bank, 520 South Federal Highway, Boca Raton, said investigators.  According to a criminal complaint, Price, wearing a black baseball cap

Michael Anthony Price

and sunglasses, entered the bank and approached the customer service consultant. Price stated he wished to open an account and then pointed a black revolver at the consultant. He then approached a teller station, placed a backpack on the counter, and pointed his firearm at a teller. He asked the teller, “Where are the $100s?” and told her she had “15 seconds.”

He stole some $2,900 and then left the bank without injuring anyone.

The second bank robbery took place August 18 at the Amtrust Bank at 3600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach. According to the criminal complaint, Price, wearing a black baseball cap, sunglasses, and a bandana covering his mouth, entered the bank carrying a black revolver in his hand. Price reportedly vaulted the teller counter and demanded money from multiple tellers at multiple stations, while brandishing the firearm. In total, he stole about $2,051.

As Price was jumping back over the counter, he shot a 67-year-old customer who tried to stop him. After shooting the customer in the neck, Price left the bank, discharging two rounds from his revolver as he fled. The shooting victim was transported by Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue to North Broward Medical Center. He remains in critical but stable condition.

Price appeared for an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum on Aug. 25. The government requested detention. A hearing will also be held.

The case is being worked by the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, Broward Sheriff’s Office and Boca Raton Police Department. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force includes members from the FBI, BSO, Secret Service, and the police departments from the City of Miami, Miami Beach, and Miami Dade. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Linder.

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