An alleged bank robbery suspect known as “The Vaulter” has been charged with 30 criminal offences after he was extradited from Switzerland following his arrest on Sept. 15.
Police say 53-year-old Jeffrey James Shuman is connected to 21 bank robberies across Canada over the last five years.
They included 12 in York Region, four in Calgary, two in Peel Region and one each in Hamilton, Ottawa and Toronto.
The suspect was known for quickly vaulting the counter and emptying the till.
WATCH: How did Jeffrey James Shuman become known as ‘The Vaulter’?
Shuman was arrested in Switzerland on Sept. 15, 2015 after an international warrant was issued.
WATCH: York Regional Police detective outlines timeline of international hunt for ‘The Vaulter’
The accused was taken into custody by officers from York and Peel Regional Police on Feb. 23 to be extradited back to Canada.
Police said Shuman had to be physically restrained after he attempted to escape capture on a ramp waiting for an aircraft at Heathrow Airport in London, U.K.
Prior to the escape attempt, the accused complained of chest pains aboard a flight from Geneva to Montreal which had to be diverted to Heathrow for him receive treatment.
Shuman was later cleared of any heart related issues by doctors.
“He came up with this rouse that he had chest pains, having heart issues. I think it was well planned out and that he had hoped that they would land in France,” said York police Det. Sgt. Mike Fleishchaker during a press conference Tuesday morning.
“Because he had French citizenship, he might have been able to avoid having to return to Canada to face charges.”
Shuman was eventually transported back to Canada by a privately chartered aircraft contracted by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
The accused appeared in court on Sunday and was remanded into custody.
He faces six counts of robbery, 11 counts of robbery with a firearm, 11 counts of use imitation firearm and two counts of disguise with intent.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 11.
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