Broward Sheriff's Office deputies shot and killed a serial bank robber Friday after they were forced to stop his getaway vehicle on Interstate 95 near Copans Road in Pompano Beach.
Michael J. Webb was 56-years-old and had a lengthy criminal record, authorities said.
According to the FBI, Webb robbed at least two banks in Broward County, including a Bank Atlantic at 1299 S. Military Trail in Deerfield Beach three different times in August, six different times. He has served three years in federal prison for bank robbery.
"He's been convicted in other states and served time in other states. He was also arrested here in 1990," said FBI agent David Beall.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, about 11:21 a.m. Friday, Webb man walked into the Chase Bank at 2285 N. Federal Highway, pulled on a ski mask, but then realized bullet proof glass had been installed at the teller windows since he last robbed the bank. The same bank was robbed on May 10 and on June 15.
READ: FBI: Man had criminal past
"Between the last bank robbery and this bank robbery, they had installed bullet proof glass," said Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti. "So, when he saw that bullet proof glass there, he said I'm getting out of here."
BSO said a bank employee called 911 and gave dispatchers a description of the vehicle and its tag. BSO then saw Webb driving east on Atlantic Boulevard, where the chase began.
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Webb began heading north on I-95, where BSO deputy German Bickbau executed a PIT maneuver just north of Copans Road, causing the bank robber's truck to roll over and crash, said police.
"It was very dangerous," said Alan Darnaby, who was driving northbound on I-95 at the time.
Darnaby said he nearly crashed when the deputy executed the PIT manuever.
"That cop didn't car about anything except knocking that guy off of the road," said Darnaby.
"Some of these pursuits you see, they end up going the wrong way and they really put people's lives in jeopardy," said Lamberti.
Bickbau, 48, was injured when his car hit a light pole.
Lamberti said Bickbau tried the PIT maneuver four times but Webb tried ramming him off the road. Lamberti added that Bickbau recalled executing the PIT maneuver and hitting the light pole.
"He had his gun in his hand as he was coming out of his vehicle," said Lamberti. "He's definitely a violent guy. No doubt about that."
"All of a sudden I heard like six shots," said David McBrayer.
BSO said two deputies shot the bank robber, killing him. They then dragged his body out of the truck, fearing it may ignite.
Bickbau, 48, who was injured in the crash, was transported to Broward Health Medical Center. Lamberti said may have a minor fracture in his lower vertebrae.
Bickbau is a 12-year veteran with BSO. He was assigned to the Pompano Beach District.
Several BSO deputies arrived shortly after Bickbau was transported to the hospital. FBI agents also came to speak with Bickbau.
By 6 p.m., all lanes of I-95 at reopened.