A bank robber kills himself and an innocent motorist in an oncoming lane by deliberately turning his speeding car into the automobile of the victim. The entire incident was broadcast live as covered by local Phoenix, AZ chopper news crews.
Local News Coverage of the Incident:
Schwartz Had Prior Troubles
A robbery suspect committed suicide when he smashed his sedan head-on into another car during a high speed police chase that was covered on TV, authorities said.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety identified the bank robbery suspect as Richard D. Schwartz, 25. DPS Chief Jack Lane said Schwartz "intended to kill himself" as authorities chased him through several cities on Wednesday.
Police said they were chasing the suspect after he robbed a Bank of America branch at 1820 W. Warner Road at gunpoint early Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators said they believe he may have been involved in three other attempted bank robberies.
The armed robbery spree began on Nov. 20 when a gunman approached a teller at Washington Mutual Bank in Chandler and demanded money. He is believed to have struck again on Nov. 24 at a Wachovia branch bank in Mesa. On Dec. 3, police said the same suspect hit another Wachovia bank in Mesa.
It was not first time Schwartz had been in trouble with the law. In, 2001 he was charged with two aggravated DUI's and unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle.
Following Wednesday's holdup, Schwartz was chased through several cities east of Phoenix with speeds at one point reaching 100 mph, police said.
"We knew from the robbery that this individual had a firearm, was a very significant threat to the community," Sgt. Tim Mason of the Department of Public Safety said.
Schwartz's vehicle slammed head-on into an oncoming car near McKellips Road and the Loop 101 freeway, about 10 miles from where the bank holdup had occurred. The other motorist killed was Alexander S. Ahmad, 24, of Scottsdale.
