The suspects in a carjacking in Euclid Monday morning were involved in a bank robbery in Lyndhurst just hours later, according to the FBI.
The carjacking victim, Jurcek Zmauc of Bratenahl, said he had just rented a black Nissan Versa. The car, which has Michigan license tags, was stolen from Zmauc in Euclid around 11 a.m.
Zmauc said one of the boys punched him in the face, but it was not until they pointed a gun at him and started counting down, he said, that Zmauc handed over the key. The group also made off with his laptop and wallet.
The three men in the stolen car, according to the FBI, then robbed Fifth Third Bank on Cedar Road in Lyndhurst. "This group, it tends to be their MO," said Special Agent Vicki Anderson.
After the robbery, there was a high-speed chase through Cleveland Heights. It was called off due to safety concerns. Only a News 5 camera caught part of that pursuit.
Anderson said the FBI believes the group of three is responsible for nine other bank robberies in the area since February 6, 2017.
The suspects gave tellers a note demanding money and implied they had a gun, just like they have done in previous bank robberies, added Anderson.
There is reward money available. Call the Cleveland FBI at 216-522-1400 if you have information.
