Lightning quick getaway? Not for this bank robber, Zephyrhills police say

ZEPHYRHILLS — A man accused of robbing the Center State Bank on Wednesday made a crucial mistake, authorities said: He drove off in a distinctive getaway car.

The robber entered the bank at 6930 Gall Blvd. at 11:44 a.m. and handed the teller a note demanding money, according to Zephyrhills Police. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash in a white pickup truck with lightning bolt designs on the side.

Six minutes after the robbery, officers spotted a truck matching that description at 20th Street and 7th Avenue. The driver, Joseph E. Lavelle, 49, admitted to the robbery and the money was recovered, police said.

Lavelle, of Delray Beach, was arrested on a robbery charge and taken to the Land O'Lakes jail.