Two bank robbery suspects are in custody following a police chase and crash on Long Island that led authorities through several towns and prompted the lockdown of local schools.
Cops began chasing their getaway car after the 9 a.m. robbery at Chase Bank in Bay Shore. The car slammed into a Nassau County cop car about 20 miles away, on the Jericho Turnpike in Syosset some time later.
The two-county pursuit ended just as witness Eli Corzier was driving to his gym.
"We got off the highway and the cop cars were just swarming in all directions," he said.
"Everybody stopped and was watching it like a movie," added witness Victor Torres.
Two suspects ran from the car as police surrounded the vehicle. A bag of money was recovered at the scene. Police helicopters, search dogs and SWAT teams were used to track down the two alleged perpetrators, who had fled to a nearby apartment complex, officials said.
Resident Monica Berke said, "I poked my head out and said to one of the cops, 'what's going on?' and he had a rifle, and he said to close the door."
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Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioner Tim Sini says one suspect was injured, while the other was taken to a nearby precinct. Two cops had minor injuries, including one who was in the cruiser hit by the suspects.
It wasn't clear how the suspect was hurt, but police say that no shots were fired.
Syosset officials say schools locked out all outsiders as a precaution.
"I was petrified for my children because there are crazy people out there," said parent Michelle Rossillo.
Activities resumed as scheduled once the area was deemed safe.
