Crime & Safety

Police: Medford Man Charged in Two Bank Robberies

James Darrow, 49, is accused of robbing banks in West Islip and Farmingville last month.

A Medford man is charged with robbing two banks last month, police said. 

Police say James Darrow, 49, robbed a People's United Bank in Farmingville on Aug. 2 and another People's United in West Islip a week later. Both banks are located inside Stop & Shop supermarkets. 

Darrow was involved in a high-speed police chase following a traffic stop in Islip on Sept. 1. Police say he was driving a stolen Kia at the time. Police called off the pursuit after it exceeded 100 mph and several cars were almost struck by the Kia, which eventually crashed into a Chevy Trailblazer in Deer Park. 

Darrow was arrested on Sept. 5 at Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was being treated for injuries sustained in the crash. In addition to two charges of third degree robbery, he also faces charges of unlawful fleeing a police officer, reckless endangerment and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Darrow was arraigned at the hospital on Sept. 6. He is being held on $100,000 bail.


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