Laurel Bank Robber Caught in Columbia: Police

After a bank robbery was reported Wednesday in Laurel, police chased the suspect for approximately 15 miles before taking him into custody in Columbia, according to officials.

The PNC Bank on Main Street in Laurel was robbed at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Howard County Times reported.

Officers saw the suspect, who left in a vehicle, according to the Laurel Police Department.

Police chased the man along US 29 through Montgomery, Prince George's and Howard counties before he was stopped in Columbia's Oakland Mills neighborhood, according to the Howard County Times. The chase went on for approximately 15 miles, Laurel City spokesman Pete Pirigner reported.

Laurel Police Chief Rich McLaughlin said officers used stop sticks to slow the suspect down, in a recorded press conference.

After the suspect's vehicle came to a stop, McLaughlin said the man "bailed out" and there was a foot pursuit.

Canine officers from Maryland State Police and Laurel, in addition to police from all the jurisdictions involved, searched for the suspect, McLaughlin said.

"An apprehension was made," and the man was being charged, McLaughlin said. He added there were no injuries, no accidents and no shots fired.

It was at least the second time in the past several months that this bank on Main Street in Laurel had been robbed. The PNC branch was also robbed Dec. 21 by a man wearing a Santa beard.