(McKean County, Pennsylvania: June 6, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer Reports that charges have been filed in the bank robbery and subsequent high-speed chase that occurred earlier today.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Sierra Rooke filed charges against Edwin McPeak of Olean, NY.  According to the criminal complaint, PSP-Lewis Run received a BOLO from Cattaraugus County for a vehicle stolen by gunpoint in Olean, New York. 

Shortly thereafter, multiple calls were received regarding a bank robbery at Hamlin Bank in Eldred. Witnesses reported that the person who robbed the bank approached while wearing a mask and, with a firearm in his hand said, “No one‘s going to get hurt. Give me all of your money” before going to the next cashier and demanding money from each receiving over $18,000 of actual cash and bait money.

Witnesses reported that the bank had been robbed and the person was wearing a mask and brandished a firearm.  The suspect fled in a dark color truck and the witnesses obtained the license plate.

Area police were on the lookout when Chief Warnick of Smethport located the vehicle traveling south on State Route 446 and onto State Route 46. Warnick activated his lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. 

Additional officers from Port Allegany, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City, Bradford Township, and Foster Township, as well as the City K9 Unit, joined in the effort to bring the suspect into custody. 

The suspect crashed the stolen vehicle near Rew Hill and was treated by City of Bradford Ambulance before transport to BRMC for minor injuries.

The occupant of the vehicle was identified as Edwin J. MCPEAK of Olean, New York. US currency and a handgun were located in the vehicle. MCPEAK has been charged with two counts of Robbery (one of a financial institution; and one for placing a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury) – deadly weapon enhancement; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer; Theft by Unlawful Taking (cash); 2 counts Terroristic Threats; Receiving Stolen Property (vehicle); Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License; and summary traffic violations. 

MCPEAK was just arranged by Magisterial District Judge William Todd.  Bail was set at $1 million. He will appear at central court next week.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/new-york-man-arraigned-bank-robbery-1-million-bail