Police: Bank Robbery, Chase Suspect Has Gang History

Eyewitness News learned more about the past of the man police said robbed a Charlotte bank and led them on a chase.

Investigators in Los Angeles said 29-year-old Carlos Burns is a known gang member. He's in jail in Mecklenburg County.

Police said he robbed the Wachovia on West Sugar Creek road in north Charlotte on Tuesday afternoon. They said he fled in a black Honda, at one point throwing cash out the window.

• RAW VIDEO: Bank Robbery Suspect Walked From Police Headquarters • RAW VIDEO: Chopper 9 Captures End Of High-Speed Chase • VIDEO: Suspect Identified In Bank Robbery, High-Speed Chase • IMAGES: Authorities Swarm Vehicle To Arrest Bank Robbery Suspect

The chase lead to Interstate 85, where a truck driver helped police slow Burns down. Troopers surrounded the car, smashing in the windows.

At one point the car rolled forward, nearly pinning police against a wall. Troopers puled Burns out of the car, and took him into custody.

Burns said he was running from police because he feared for his life.

Officials in Los Angeles said Burns is a known member of the Rolling 40s Crips gang.

He was convicted of attempted murder in 2002, but that conviction was later overturned and he was freed. It's unclear what brought him to Charlotte.

Eyewitness News asked him if he robbed the bank.

"I didn't rob a bank. I just want to go home," he said.

Burns is charged with common law robbery of a business, felony fleeing to elude arrest and resisting arrest.