Pennsylvania State Police troopers -- with the help of a mall telephone vendor -- arrested a suspect wanted for the robberies of several banks recently.
Acting on a tip provided by a citizen, State Police troopers were joined by Wyomissing Borough Police officers at the Berkshire Mall. A man matching the suspect's description, 24-year-old Algis Diaz, was there shopping.
Police waited for Diaz by staking out the car he was reported driving to the mall, a black 2004 Mazda RX6 -- which was itself stolen from the State College area. An undercover trooper entered the mall and found Diaz and reported his position.
When Diaz left the mall, troopers approached him. He fled on foot. Police with the Wyomissing Canine Unit released a dog and warned other police and troopers to stop running. One trooper, trooper Robert Hess, did not hear the warning, and the police dog pursued and severely bit his lower right leg. Tpr. Hess was transported to Reading Hospital for treatment of his wounds.
Still, Diaz did not escape. In the midst of the pursuit, Diaz returned to the mall, where officers and mall security pursued him.
It was a telephone vendor employee who made the stop -- tackling Diaz and allowing police to take him into custody.
Diaz was taken to the Pennsylvania Police Station in Reading and charged with felony receiving stolen property, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. State College Police Department and State Police in Fogelsville hold warrants for Diaz for theft and receiving stolen property as well. Further charges will be filed at a later date.
Police could not say which bank robberies Diaz is suspected to have committed.
