The man police say is the Buckeye Bandit is out of the hospital and behind bars. He faced a judge for the first time Wednesday.
The Tahoe that flashed across TV screens, belonging to the alleged Buckeye Bandit, shocked Ikechi Emeaghara's friends. By the tires, they knew it was his.
They said they never imagined he could possibly be involved in more than 30 robberies.
“Currently the only charge is armed bank robbery,” said U.S. District Attorney Ben Glassman.
Police say more charges are likely. For now, he's accused of robbing a Key Bank on Frantz Road. One of the tellers put a tracking agent in the money. Police were able to pull Emeaghara over.
They say he pointed a gun at officers. They shot him several times.
“He needs some more medical treatment, that’s where he is,” said Emeaghara’s attorney Byron Potts.
Attorney Byron Potts wants to see his client released on bond. Emeaghara has no prior record. His friends say he was a star football player at Westerville North and went on to play at the University of Findlay. They say Emeaghara claimed to have an IT job and often went to the casino.
“My understanding, he is employed,” said Potts.
But his attorney won't say where.
“Family man, working, very stable guy, he has a son,” said Potts.
The buckeye bandit got his nickname by wearing Ohio State gear as he robbed countless banks and pharmacies.
One known fact friends say is Ikechi Emeaghara is a Michigan fan.
The one count Emeaghara is facing carries a 25-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine. He will be back in court for a detention hearing Thursday.
Previous Coverage
- Columbus Police shoot bank robbery suspect outside office building near Dublin
- Police seek help in identifying ‘Buckeye Bandit’
- ‘Buckeye Bandit’ strikes again; rewarded upped to $10K
- Reward Offered for information on ‘Buckeye Bandit’ robbery suspect
- Authorities release sketch of Buckeye Bandit robbery suspect
- Police charge suspect in connection with Buckeye Bandit robberies