SC cops: Jaguar driver, 71, behind bank robberies

[February 03, 2010]  COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a 71-year-old painting contractor driving a silver Jaguar robbed at least four banks before killing himself during a police chase.

The final robbery was Monday, when Frank Palazzo shot himself while being chased down a South Carolina highway. No one else was hurt.

Horry County police say Palazzo may have robbed the banks because he needed money for his failing construction business. Detectives identified Palazzo using surveillance footage.

His sister-in-law, Marian Palazzo, says Palazzo had struggled with depression and had difficulty coping with the deaths of his wife and mother.

Marian Palazzo says her brother-in-law had borrowed thousands of dollars from family members.

[Associated Press; By MEG KINNARD]

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