Man caught after crashing through Texas bank www.privateofficer.com
SAN MARCOS, Texas Feb 26 2011 – A San Marcos man wreaked havoc inside a bank with his car Friday morning, but left behind a license plate that police used to track and find him.
Police said Elias Mercado, 25, crashed his car into the Bank of America, circled through the lobby area, struck a wall, a cubicle, a teller counter, restroom doors and plants. Backing up to try to get out of the bank, the car struck furniture, then blasted out through double doors and drove away.
Police caught up with Mercado after bank security provided a vehicle description and a license plate number from a plate off the car that ended up in the bank’s lobby.
San Marcos police arrested Elias Mercado, 25, jailed him at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center Friday morning. He is charged with burglary of a building and evading arrest.
Police followed a trail of glass and searched the area of Interstate 35 and State Highway 80. They spotted the suspect vehicle with body damage, including a rear license plate matching the plate found in the bank.
When police tried to stop Mercado, he didn’t stop, but headed the car south on the west access road near SH 80. Police cars stopped him by use of a pit maneuver — steering into the back bumper of the fleeing vehicle, forcing the car to spin and stop, according to San Marcos police.
Mercado’s bond was set at $10,000 for the burglary and $5,000 for evading arrest. Both charges are state jail felonies.
Source:KXAN
