
FBI Investigates
'Cycling Robber'
Fri May 10, 3:02 PM ET
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (AP) - A man suspected in more than 30 bank robberies
across the country was arrested after cyclists recognized his $3,000 custom-made
racing bike on an Internet "wanted" poster.
FBI (news - web sites) agents arrested Thomas Justice, 31, at his parents' house
in a Chicago suburb Tuesday on suspicion of robbing a Walnut Creek bank, said
Walnut Creek police Lt. Loren Cattolico.
The FBI has accused Justice of robbing at least seven Bay Area banks in the past
year and also is investigating him in connection with robberies in San Diego and
Milwaukee. Chicago authorities think he's behind another 10 robberies in that
city's wealthy northwest suburbs.
Illinois authorities say the suspect repeatedly eluded them by stripping down
from street clothes into cycling gear, then pedaling away.
Authorities gained a clue in March after a bank robbery in Walnut Creek. The
suspect escaped but left behind his racing bicycle.
Detective Steve Bertolozzi asked the bicycle company to post a "wanted flier"
with photos of the suspect and the bike. Walnut Creek detectives soon heard from
two people involved in Chicago's bicycle racing community who gave them
Justice's name.