Somerville Bank Robber Who Shot At Cop Arrested: Feds

SOMERVILLE, MA — The man who exchanged gunfire with police during a robbery at Middlesex Federal Savings Bank three weeks ago has been arrested, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said Thursday. Authorities have been looking for the man since the May 1 bank robbery in Davis Square that saw the suspect escape through a busy Somerville neighborhood — only to lose the bag of money and his gun when a Good Samaritan saw him running away and shoved him.

Daniel Rosado, 32, of Providence, Rhode Island, was charged with one count of armed bank robbery, one count of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, the said. He was arrested in Providence Thursday morning and ordered held without bail at his arraignment.

Rosado is due back in court next Friday.

On May 1, Rosado entered the bank, showed a handgun, fired a shot into the ceiling and pointed the gun at customers and employees, federal authorities said. He yelled "Get down!" and "Everybody on the ground!" and threatened to shoot unless he was given the money, according to Lelling.

While the teller filled the backpack with money, a customer left the bank and flagged down a police cruiser. The officer entered the bank, pointed his gun at Rosado and ordered him to freeze, authorities said.

Rosado shot once at the officer, and the officer fired back, according to Lelling. During the exchange, Rosado fled the bank on foot, with the officer giving chase, authorities said. As Rosado ran down College Avenue, bystander Dave Powers knocked him into a shrub, causing him to drop his backpack.

Authorities found a Webley revolver, loaded with four rounds of ammunition, two cartridge casings and more than $500 in the backpack, according to Lelling. Investigators linked the DNA profile found on the backpack to Rosado, and matched a driver's license photo to images of the robber captured on video surveillance, according to federal authorities.

Rosado has prior felony convictions for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, larceny from a person, witness intimidation and assault by means of a deadly weapon, Lelling said.

"Today’s arrest and charges put an end to a three-week search for a dangerous and reckless individual," Lelling said in a statement. "No one should feel afraid to do the everyday, basic American errands we all need to do. But on May 1, it’s alleged that one man callously threatened the lives of dozens of innocent people who were doing just that. By not just brandishing, but actually discharging his weapon – twice – the alleged defendant instilled fear and endangered the lives of members of our community for his own greed and selfishness. My office is committed to prosecuting violent individuals to the fullest extent of the law."