Daniel Rosado, Armed Bank Robbery, MA 2019

Daniel Rosado, 32, of Providence, R.I., is behind bars, charged in a brazen, armed robbery of the Middlesex Federal Savings Bank in Somerville on May 1, 2019 — a heist that erupted into gunfire, terrorized civilians, and nearly ended in tragedy. Rosado was arraigned today in federal court in Boston, facing a federal indictment carrying three serious charges: armed bank robbery, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The attack unfolded just after 10 a.m. when Rosado stormed into the bank, flashed a handgun, and opened fire into the ceiling. Witnesses say he screamed, “Get down!”, “Everybody on the ground!”, and “Give me money or I’ll shoot!” as customers and employees scrambled to the floor. He hurled a backpack at a teller, demanding cash. Surveillance footage later recovered shows the calm precision of a man unafraid of consequences — until a civilian flagged down police.

That civilian’s alert brought a marked Somerville Police cruiser to the scene within minutes. A uniformed officer entered the bank, weapon drawn, and ordered Rosado to freeze. Instead, Rosado turned, pointed his gun, and fired one shot. The officer returned fire. In the chaos, Rosado bolted, fleeing on foot with the backpack stuffed with stolen cash. The officer gave chase, pursuit spilling into the streets of a residential neighborhood just blocks from the bank.

It was a civilian — described by law enforcement as a courageous bystander — who may have changed the course of events. As Rosado ran, the man lunged at him, tackling him briefly and causing him to drop the backpack. Though Rosado escaped the immediate grab, forensic evidence left behind, combined with video and ballistic analysis, gave investigators the break they needed. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, working with state and local agencies, identified Rosado within days.

“Today’s arrest and charges put an end to a three week search for a dangerous and reckless individual,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “By not just brandishing, but actually discharging his weapon – twice – the alleged defendant instilled fear and endangered lives for his own greed.” FBI Boston’s Joseph R. Bonavolonta added, “He shot at a Somerville police officer, put innocent lives at risk. Thanks to a concerned citizen, we got him before someone was killed.”

Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin praised interagency collaboration, citing troopers, K9 units, air support, and crime lab analysts whose work confirmed Rosado’s identity. Somerville Police Chief David Fallon echoed the sentiment: “This investigation is a great example of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in our combined efforts to protect our communities.” Rosado remains in federal custody, awaiting trial on charges that carry a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison if convicted on the firearm counts alone.