Bank robber Nicola Battista takes police on a chase, Vaughan

Members working out of the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged a Toronto man in  connection with a bank robbery following a pursuit and his arrest by officers working out of the #4 District Headquarters.

On Thursday, February 17, 2010, shortly before 4 p.m., officers were called to the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) located at 12943 Highway 27 in the Township of King for a report of a bank robbery. A male suspect had entered the bank disguised in a balaclava and demanded the teller fill a large bag with cash. The teller complied and the suspect fled from the area in a vehicle.

Bank employees reported the incident to police immediately and relayed a description of the suspect vehicle, which was last seen northbound on Highway 27.

An officer on patrol in the area of Highway 400 and Cityview Boulevard observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it to investigate. The driver fled from police southbound on Highway 400 and a short pursuit followed. The suspect lost control of his vehicle on the eastbound on-ramp to Highway 401 and was safely apprehended by the pursuing officer.

The suspect was transported to hospital for minor injuries and the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit continued the investigation. A quantity of cash was recovered from the vehicle.

CHARGED:

Nicola BATTISTA, 46, of Toronto

CHARGES:
Robbery
Disguise with Intent
Dangerous Driving
Flight From Police

Mr. Battista has been held in custody and will appear sometime today before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket.