A police chase that caused traffic to back up on State Route 11 has resulted in the arrest of a man suspected of committing several bank robberies including ones in Austintown, Girard and Pennsylvania .

According to authorities, 56 year-old James Verdream was wanted by the U.S. Marshals for violating the terms of his supervised release. They say, Verdream was released in November 2021 after serving time for two other bank robberies.

Now, it is alleged that on May 3rd, Verdream robbed the PNC Bank on Mahoning Ave. in Austintown.  Later in the day, Verdream allegedly robbed a bank in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.  Then, it is believed that Verdream robbed a third bank Monday in Girard.

Tuesday afternoon, police were called to a bank in Youngstown after the vehicle Verdream was known to drive was spotted in the area. 

Officers followed the vehicle and eventually attempted to stop the car on Rt. 11 in Austintown.  That's when the chase began,

Verdream led officers on a pursuit in Mahoning County, into Columbiana County, then suspect double-backed into Mahoning County. Authorities say Verdeam also attempted to flee on foot but was eventually apprehended without further incident. 

 “A suspect like this is a menace to our communities, and I am pleased to see such quick work by all law enforcement officers involved to bring this to a safe ending," said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott.

The suspect was turned over to the Federal Marshals for arraignment on bank robbery charges.