Suspect in 3 Bank Robberies Arrested in Youngstown

Youngstown, OH – This afternoon, members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austintown Police Department, arrested James Verdream, 56. 

Verdream was wanted by the U.S. Marshals for violating the terms of his supervised release. Verdream was released in November 2021 from the Bureau of Prisons after serving time for two bank robberies. 

It is alleged that on May 3, 2022, Verdream robbed the PNC Bank located at 4949 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown. Later in the day, Verdream robbed a bank in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. This triggered additional warrants to be issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for bank robbery. Additionally, it is believed that Verdream robbed a third bank yesterday in Girard, Ohio.

Officers were called to a bank in Youngstown, Ohio this afternoon after the vehicle Verdream was known to drive was seen in the area. Officers followed the vehicle and eventually attempted to stop the car on Rt. 11 in Austintown. Verdream led officers in a short pursuit in the vehicle and then attempted to flee on foot. He was apprehended without further incident. 

Verdream will be booked into federal custody until he can be seen by a Judge for the pending charges against him. 

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “A suspect like this is a menace to our communities, and I am pleased to see such quick work by all law enforcement officers involved to bring this to a safe ending.”

Anyone with information concerning any wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can send a web tip. Reward money is available and tipsters may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force Youngstown Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:  Boardman Township Police Department, Campbell Police Department, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Township Police Department, Lordstown Village Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Health Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Salem Police Department, Trumbull County Adult Probation Department, Warren Police Department, Youngstown Police Department, and United States Marshals Service.