Brian Richards is in custody after allegedly robbing a bank, then forcing deputies to pursue him through part of Clermont.

The incident happened Thursday afternoon at the Trustco Bank on High Grove Boulevard. Lake County Sheriff's deputies said Richards demanded money and claimed he had a weapon.

Deputies said they found the Richards in a nearby shopping center at US 27 and Cagens Crossing, but he drove off. Deputies say Richards almost hit a deputy with his car, a red Toyota Camry, while trying to flee.

Investigators said Richards was speeding and driving recklessly as he tried to get away from law enforcement. Deputies eventually used stop sticks to disable his vehicle in the area of Hancock Road and Hartwood Marsh Road. The Camry hit a Jeep SUV before finally stopping.

Diana Beighley of Clermont was driving that Jeep.

“I saw him coming, my first instinct was to get out of the way and let them do what they needed to do," Beighley said. He came right at me, you can see where his car landed. That’s where I was pulled over. Obviously they came with guns drawn so I just laid down on the front seat to get out of anymore damage that could be done.”

A police dog helped catch the suspect.