Suspects in Holdup Caught After Chase

A suspected bank robber and the driver of his getaway car were captured by Whittier police Tuesday after a short chase that ended in a four-car accident and monumental traffic tie-up on the San Gabriel River Freeway.

Officers said a gunman took $1,617 from a teller at a Security Pacific Bank office in the City of Industry shortly after noon, and fled in a car driven by another man.

Whittier police pursued the car north onto the freeway and took Edward Patino, 25, and Ramon Duron into custody after the vehicle crashed into two other automobiles near Beverly Boulevard.

The loot, including several marked bills, was found in the car and the suspects were booked on suspicion of bank robbery after treatment for bruises and abrasions. Police said no one else was injured, though freeway traffic was tied up for more than an hour.