For Immediate Release

Friday, April 26, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Reading Police Arrest Bank Robbery Suspect after Pursuit

READING — Deputy Chief David Clark reports that the Reading Police Department has arrested a bank robbery suspect after a vehicle and foot pursuit into neighboring Wilmington.

Police responded to the TD Bank branch, located at 470 Main St., at 2:43 p.m. for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers were notified that a male suspect entered the bank wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black baseball cap and demanded money from a teller. The suspect fled in a vehicle.

Reading Police quickly located the suspect’s vehicle and initiated a pursuit, which was monitored at all times by a supervisor to ensure public safety.

The suspect fled on West Street into Wilmington and onto Woburn Street. He exited the vehicle on Allgrove Lane in Wilmington and fled on foot on Marcia Road until he was captured by police.

SEAN MICHAEL MANUEL, AGE 25, OF MEDFORD was arrested and charged with:

• Unarmed Robbery
• Failure to Stop for Police
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Speeding

MANUEL also has four active arrest warrants including:

• Somerville District Court: Motor Vehicle Violations and Drug Possession
• Malden District Court: Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Driving with a Suspended License and Failure to Stop for Police
• Somerville District Court: Armed Robbery and Two Counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Rockingham County, N.H.: Failure to Appear for Dangerous Drugs/Fentanyl

MANUEL is known to police.

MANUEL is being held at the Reading Police Department pending his arraignment Monday in Woburn District Court.

This incident remains under investigation by the Reading Police Department and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. Wilmington Police assisted Reading Police in the arrest and apprehension of the suspect.

“Thanks to the incredible cooperation between our officers and our partners in Wilmington led to the safe apprehension of a career criminal, without posing a danger to the public,” Deputy Clark said. “I want to commend all of the officers who worked together seamlessly to arrest this individual for the professionalism they displayed today.”

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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