Geneva police have announced the arrest of the "most-wanted bank robber in Canada" — known for his technique of jumping over bank counters in his heists.
The French-American citizen nicknamed "The Vaulter," but not identified by name, had been sought under an international arrest warrant issued by Canada in connection with 22 bank robberies over the last five years.
The Canadian Bankers Association had offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Geneva police spokesman Jean-Philippe Brandt said Wednesday that the 53-year-old suspect was intercepted by plainclothes police while he was driving a compact car on a Geneva street on Tuesday, and taken into custody without incident.
He is being held pending extradition procedures. Police said he could face life in prison if convicted.
Police in Canada have said the robber first struck in York Region north of Toronto in February 2010 and since then hit banks in Mississauga, Hamilton, Vaughan, Toronto and Ottawa, as well as some in Calgary.
Police had warned that the man was considered armed and dangerous, and described him as athletic — jumping over bank counters like a hurdler while holding a handgun.
Police also said the man worked alone and was believed to carry a police scanner and scout locations well before striking and then leaving the area.
