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WINSTON-SALEM — The surviving suspect in a Feb. 9 bank robbery and subsequent shootout with Greensboro police pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in federal court Monday.

Christopher O’Neal Patterson, 23, pleaded not guilty to two charges of bank robbery and one charge each of discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a felon during an arraignment held before U.S. District Judge James A. Beaty Jr.

Patterson is accused of robbing the Wachovia bank branch at 3608 High Point Road about 5 p.m. Feb. 9 with another man, Dimarkchrisy Eddie Majors, 22.

Two men entered the bank and pistol-whipped a customer who managed to get away from the bank and dial 911, according to police, As the robbers fled, the man provided information and robbers’ whereabouts to dispatchers.

Police said the robbers shot at officers during a pursuit before losing control and crashing near the entrance to Interstate 40 on Patterson Street.

Several police officers were involved in a roadside shootwere wounded, and Majors died the next day.

Officer Matt O’Hal was struck by the robbers’ vehicle when it crashed and was shot twice in the gunbattle, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

Patterson was held for more than four months at the hospital ward at Central Prison in Raleigh, where he received treatment for his wounds and underwent rehabilitative therapy.

He was transferred to the Guilford County jail in late June.

At his court appearance, Patterson was confined to a wheelchair, though authorities have said they believe he will make a full recovery.

In addition to the four federal charges, Patterson also faces a state charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors have indicated that more charges may be forthcoming.

His next appearance in federal court will be sometime in September, according to his court-appointed attorney.
 

Contact Ryan Seals at373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com