The man who was arrested this week thanks to a tracking device within 10 minutes of allegedly robbing an Upper Darby TD Bank remained in the George W. Hill Correctional Facility on Friday.
Michael J. Ferrell, 36, of the 7600 block of Woodcrest Avenue, Philadelphia, was committed to the prison on Wednesday in lieu of $700,000 bail after arraignment before District Judge Benjamin Johns on felony robbery charges and related offenses.
Upper Darby Detective Leo F. Hanshaw gave this account:
Ferrell walked into the bank at 2200 Garrett Road in Drexel Hill shortly after 1 p.m. A teller told investigators that a Black male approached her station and handed her a paper note.
The note was later recovered by police and read, “I have a gun and it’s more people outside with guns keep a smile on your face put the $ in a bag no die packs or chips don’t hit alarm.
“She turned over the money from the bank, which included $500 in a bag, several loose $5 and $10 bills, and $100 in $20 bills and the GPS tracker. The male took the money and fled the bank onto Garrett Road towards the YMCA.”
Police were quickly monitoring the GPS tracker: “eastbound on Garrett Road, stationary in the area of the 1600 block of Garrett Road on the old track bed and field.
“Officer Brian Brown arrived in the area and located a male, identified as Ferrell, who fit the description of the actor. … Brown exited his patrol vehicle, and Ferrell attempted to flee on foot into the wooded area towards the creek area in an attempt to conceal himself. Officers caught up to Ferrell and he was stopped.
“During the stop, United States currency fell out of Ferrell’s left pants pockets. A large quantity of United States currency, in numerous denominations was located in Ferrell’s left pants pocket, along with a purple-colored latex glove.”
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 30 before District Judge Christopher R. Mattox.
Originally Published: May 16, 2025 at 8:33 AM EDT