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Man dodges IHOP bill, gets arrested in bank robbery

An alleged Center City bank robber was arrested by police Tuesday after refusing to pay for his meal at an International House of Pancakes restaurant, according to federal authorities.

An alleged Center City bank robber was arrested by police Tuesday after refusing to pay for his meal at an International House of Pancakes restaurant, according to federal authorities.

Michael Bellini of Philadelphia was arrested at the restaurant at 13th and Walnut Streets after a manager called police to complain that Bellini had declined to pay his bill, according to charging documents.

Bellini - already under federal supervision for a previous bank-robbery conviction - subsequently confessed to robbing three banks in four days starting Saturday, charging documents said. In total, he allegedly netted more than $4,600.

It was not clear what he ate at the IHOP.

Bellini's public defender, Mark T. Wilson, could not be reached for immediate comment.

Jessica Natali, the assistant U.S. attorney overseeing the case, said Bellini waived his right to an initial court hearing Tuesday and was being detained.

Bellini is accused of robbing the PNC Bank at 900 Walnut St. on Saturday, the TD Bank at 121 S. Broad St. on Sunday, and the Beneficial Bank at 1139 Chestnut St. on Tuesday, according to charging documents. In each case, he passed a threatening note to the teller demanding cash before fleeing, the documents said.

- Chris Palmer