” He’s a dangerous, habitual felony offender and career criminal,and we are glad to get him off the streets,” Chief Mark Barker stated of this man.How about getting people like this out of our parks and playgrounds? Mark Barker has no problem letting dangerous,habitual felony offenders, that are career criminals attend Daytona AA/NA meetings in Sunrise Park,Holly Land Park and Centennial Park. All 3 parks have playgrounds where children play during meetings. He has aided in expanding this rehab business( that is against local zoning ordinances) and continues to pose a threat to the public safety.

By CHRIS GRAHAM, Staff writer

 September 8, 2011 12:05 AM

A 49-year-old man released from a Virginia prison earlier this year is accused of robbing a Holly Hill bank at gunpoint Wednesday and may be involved in several other area heists, police said.

The man, identified by authorities as Michael Joseph Forsythe, walked into TD Bank, 1852 Ridgewood Ave., armed with a revolver and demanded cash before fleeing the bank and driving west on Calle Grande Avenue, Holly Hill Police Chief Mark Barker said.

Forsythe’s getaway vehicle — a 2010 Acura MDX — was spotted minutes later in Ormond Beach, Barker said. A short chase ensued and law enforcement officials were able to surround Forsythe in the parking lot of the Nova Road Recreation Center.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Barker said the money and firearm were recovered and no one was injured during the robbery.

After authorities apprehended Forsythe, they learned he has a lengthy criminal past.

The suspect previously served a 15-year prison sentence in Virginia on auto theft convictions, Barker said.

After he was released, police believe Forsythe stole the Acura in Vero Beach, drove to North Carolina to steal a license tag and drove back down to Florida, Barker said.

“Obviously, he’s a dangerous, habitual felony offender and career criminal,” Barker said. “And we’re glad to have him off the street.”

Investigators from the FBI are interviewing Forsythe to determine if he is connected to other bank robberies in Central Florida and elsewhere, Barker said.

Forsythe will be charged with armed robbery and grand theft and taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail, Barker said.