CARLISLE, Ark - A California man suspected in bank robberies in three states drove up next to a patrolman and said he wanted to confess, blaming his crimes on a gambling habit, police said.
Thomas Michael Everett, 57, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., told Patrolman Chris Castleberry that he had a problem and needed to get help. Everett admitted robbing the banks and losing the money at casinos, Castleberry said.
FBI agents questioned Everett after he surrendered Tuesday. Agents said surveillance video and Everett's statements tie him to robberies in Nipomo, Calif.; El Paso, Texas; and one Tuesday in Jackson, Miss.
John Strong, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Little Rock office, said all the robberies were unarmed, with Everett passing notes to tellers demanding money.
Everett was in jail in Little Rock on Thursday, being held for the U.S. Marshals Service. A jail worker said there was no indication that Everett had an attorney yet.
Everett first will be returned to Texas to face charges, officials said. MagazineLane.com
