"Handsome Bandit," wanted in Texas, arrested in Mississippi

(CBS) JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. - Just as the FBI and Texas police agencies intensified their search for the bank robber being called the 'Handsome Bandit,' a routine traffic stop led to his arrest, reports CBS Dallas. Authorities in North Texas have identified the suspect as 44-year-old Steven Milam.

According to CBS Dallas, Milam was named as the 'Handsome Bandit' after police in Richardson, Texas discovered clothing, a mask and weapon that the suspect left behind. Police say Milam  is the person who robbed a Compass Bank on December 31. During that incident, the suspect fired at chasing officers, striking one squad car.

In all, he's accused of robbing six banks across Richardson, Dallas, Plano and Irving. Milam faces charges of bank robbery and attempted capital murder.

CBS Dallas has learned deputies in Jackson County, Mississippi attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Interstate-10, but the vehicle refused to stop.

At some point authorities ran the license plate and discovered the vehicle was linked to Milam, the station reported. Deputies tried three times to stop the vehicle using 'stop sticks' but were unsuccessful.

Sheriff Mike Byrd of Jackson County joined the chase as Milam and deputies entered Alabama. The vehicle was finally stopped in rural Mississippi after Byrd shot out Milam's right rear tire. "That was a last resort and I just didn't want him going any further and possibly harming someone else."

Surrounded by law enforcement, Milam refused to get out of the car. "We had to physically remove him from the vehicle," said Sheriff Byrd.

Before he could be taken into custody, police believe he swallowed a large amount of medication. "We think he maybe, might have, ingested some pills, uh, because he threw up in the back of the patrol car," said Sheriff Byrd.

Milam was taken to an area hospital, but is in police custody. When he is released he will be placed in the Jackson County Jail where he will await extradition back to Texas.

Officials with the FBI were in Tyler on Monday to search a business, a casket shop that is believed to be connected to Milam. They also visited the suspect's home, CBS Dallas reported.

"I'm freaking out a little bit, because if what people are saying is true has happened, then I kind of fear a little bit for my family, knowing that's taking place and it could be across the street," said neighbor Larry Kalmowitz.

"He has kids. He has a wife. They're all great people," said Jon-Paul Stanley, a neighboring business owner. "I had no idea."