An armed bank robbery suspect who prompted a massive "active shooter" response in Somerville, Massachusetts, earlier this month has been arrested in Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Daniel Rosado, 32, of Providence, Rhode Island, was charged with armed bank robbery, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested by the FBI Boston's Violent Crimes Task Force and Somerville and Providence police at 6:25 a.m. Thursday.
Rosado was arrested outside an apartment complex on Salmon Street. The FBI raid was conducted on Leah Street.
U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said DNA from a backpack Rosado dropped when he was tackled by a bystander as he fled the crime scene led to his arrest.
"Today’s arrest and charges put an end to a three week search for a dangerous and reckless individual," Lelling said in a statement. "No one should feel afraid to do the everyday, basic American errands we all need to do. But on May 1, it’s alleged that one man callously threatened the lives of dozens of innocent people who were doing just that. By not just brandishing, but actually discharging his weapon –- twice -– the alleged defendant instilled fear and endangered the lives of members of our community for his own greed and selfishness."
Dozens of officers from state and local agencies responded to the Middlesex Federal Savings Bank in Davis Square around 10 a.m. on May 1 after receiving a report of an active shooter.
The FBI said a suspect, later identified as Rosado, entered the bank holding a gun and fired a round into the ceiling.
According to court documents, Rosado pointed a handgun at customers and bank employees, yelling, "Get down!", "Everybody on the ground!", "Second drawer, hurry up!", and "Give me money or I'll shoot." Customers and bank employees laid on the floor while Rosado approached a teller window, threw a backpack at the teller and demanded money.
A Somerville police officer near the scene responded to the bank robbery, entered the bank, pointed his gun at Rosado and ordered him to freeze. In response, prosecutors allege that Rosado pointed his gun at the officer and fired one shot, missing him. The officer shot back. Rosado then fled the bank on foot and the officer gave chase.
Court documents said as Rosado fled, a bystander, noticing the pursuit, attempted to tackle the suspect, which caused him to drop his backpack. Rosado kept running and witnesses eventually lost sight of him.
The incident prompted an extensive search in Somerville that led to school lockdowns, orders for residents to stay indoors and a temporary closure of the MBTA's Davis Station.
Further investigation, including forensic analysis of the backpack, lined the DNA profile found on the backpack to Rosado. A subsequent review of Rosado's driver's license photo matched the images of the robber captured by the bank's surveillance video.
Prosecutors said Rosado had prior felony convictions for negligent driving, larceny from a person, witness intimidation and assault by means of a dangerous weapon. Due to those prior convictions, Rosado was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The FBI and Somerville police had offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the "armed and dangerous" man.
Rosado is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Thursday. It is unclear if he has an attorney.
