SPRINGDALE — Stephen Roach's first arrest as an Evendale cop was a big one.

        The former Cincinnati officer was one of two Evendale cops who captured a suspected bank robber Tuesday morning about a half-hour after a Springdale bank was held up.

        Hans R. Westrich, 26, of Westwood, is expected to face federal charges in connection with the robbery of Provident Bank at 495 E. Kemper Road.

        Officers Roach and Jeffrey S. McDaniel spotted Mr. Westrich's car about 11:30 a.m. on Interstate 75 near Paddock Road after hearing about the robbery. When they pulled him over, Mr. Westrich surrendered without incident, Officer Roach said.

        In a bizarre twist, Mr. Westrich had held up the same bank exactly two years ago to the day, Springdale Police Lt. Michael Mathis said. He was caught in Florida, convicted and sent to prison. He was released about a month ago.

        Officer Roach, who fatally shot a fleeing Timothy Thomas in a dark Over-the-Rhine alley last April, sparking days of rioting, joined the Evendale force about a month ago. On Tuesday, he said, he was ready to chase the suspect, had that been necessary.

        “Officer Roach came well prepared for today,” said Officer McDaniel, his field training officer. “He's been a joy to work with. He's been worth what we've gone through. Steve is mature beyond his years.”

        Some Evendale residents unhappy with the hire — despite Officer Roach's acquittal on all charges in the Thomas killing — have gathered enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot in the village.

        Officer Roach didn't comment on those efforts Tuesday, and officials would not allow questions on the controversy surrounding the Thomas shooting.

        Still, with a smile across his face, Officer Roach said he is grateful to the residents of Evendale and happy to again be doing the job he always wanted to do.

        “It's a great feeling to be back on the street,” Officer Roach said. “It's been a year since I've been on the street, and it's a good feeling to get back into police work. All I want to do is to continue to go out there and be a policeman, and be a good policeman.”

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