Exclusive Video: Philadelphia Police Get High Tech Help Stopping Bank Robbery Suspect
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Police say bank robbery suspect, Konata Matthews, had no idea that while he tried to make good on his escape from a noontime bank robbery near 18th and Walnut, there was a GPS chip tracking his every movement, slipped into the bag of money he was allegedly taking from the bank.
Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan says the chip allowed police to track the suspect's getaway car to 20th and the Parkway, outside the Franklin Institute where officers were waiting.
Chief Sullivan says Matthews, who was reported to be armed, did "everything he could to provoke a confrontation," refusing to get out of the car.
When he reached for a weapon, which later turned out to be a toy gun tucked into his waistband, police shattered the windows of the car, brought the suspect outside and placed him under arrest.
Inside, police say they found a bag of money and the jacket allegedly worn by the suspect during the hold-up.
Chief Sullivan credited his officers "restraint and professionalism" for the handling the incident without the suspect or anyone else being seriously hurt.
Late Friday afternoon, Matthews was questioned by police and the FBI in an attempt to find out if he is involved in any other robberies.