Somerville Bank Robber Who Fired At Cop Pleads Guilty: Feds

SOMERVILLE, MA — A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty to robbing a bank and exchanging gunfire with police in Davis Square last May. Daniel Rosado, 32, of Providence, pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

On May 1, 2019, 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, the USAO said.

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 the USAO. 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.

Police found a Webley revolver, loaded with four rounds of ammunition, two cartridge casings and more than $500 in the backpack, according to the USAO. 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, federal authorities said.

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. As a result, he was prohibited from being in possession of a weapon or ammunition.

Rosado is scheduled to be sentenced June 15.