A Derby man suspected of robbing a bank in Ansonia told police he had a crush on Taylor Swift and committed the robbery because he wanted to impress her, according to the police report.
Police said they arrested 26-year-old Bruce Rowley, of Derby, Thursday after two people identified him as the person who robbed the Webster Bank at 200 Division St. in Ansonia the day before.
Police then obtained an arrest warrant and search warrants for Rowley’s home and 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee and entered the Jeep into a nationwide database as wanted.
Rhode Island State Police spotted Rowley driving the Jeep south on Interstate 95 and tried to stop the car, but he led Rhode Island state troopers in a chase that eventually entered Connecticut, police said.
Connecticut state troopers from Troop E in Montville joined in the pursuit and the chase ended at exit 89 on I-95 in Connecticut after they used spike strips to flatten the tires on the Jeep.
Police said a Rhode Island State Police K9 bit Rowley in the arm while authorities were taking him into custody.
After he was arrested, Rowley confessed to committing the robbery, according to police.
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While he was being transported back to the Ansonia Police Department, he said he planned on donating some of the money he stole from the bank to Ansonia police, according to police.
He went on to say he had a “crush” on Taylor Swift and wanted to impress her, so he robbed the bank, drove to her house, threw some of the money that he stole from the bank over the fence and tried to contact the singer, but she wasn’t home, the police report says.
Rowley has been charged with robbery in the second degree and larceny in the fourth degree.
Online court documents say he remains in police custody and is due in court on May 8. A public defender is representing him.