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Alleged Hostage-Taking Robber Faces Judge

MIAMI - (CBS4) - A man who turned Biscayne Boulevard upside-down during rush hour attempting to flee police, and who later held them at bay by threatening a woman and child was ordered held on a $12,500 bond when he appeared in court Monday morning.

Vincent William Chester, 32, is charged with strong arm robbery and false imprisonment, after he made a mess of traffic during rush-hour while leading police on a brief chase.

Last Thursday, police shut down Biscayne between 69th and 71st Streets as they searched for Chester, who was found hiding in a room at the Saturn Motel. Police say Chester, who is tattooed with the words "trust me" across his chest, barricaded the door, called 911 and threatened to harm a woman and a 1 year old child in the room.

Even though SWAT was called, police were able to arrest Chester without incident. Christine Koester, the woman in the room, was also arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest with violence. She was held on $17 thousand bond after her own court appearance.

Police said her arrest and Chester's were not related.

The child was turned over to the Department of Children and Families.

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