EDMONTON - Throwing money out the window during a high-speed chase, an alleged bank thief discovered, won't send cops off your trail.

At about 11 a.m., a lone male held up a cashier at a Sherwood Park CIBC Monday in Edmonton, saying he had a weapon. He didn't produce one but made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

An ink pack with the money exploded, said RCMP Const. Wally Henry, rendering the bills useless.

Police tracked down a suspect driving Monday evening in New Serepta, about 50 km southeast of Edmonton, thanks to a tip.

The suspect took off when cops tried pulling him over. Cops laid a spike belt but the suspect swung his car around and headed the other way.

Speeds reached 140 km/h, said Henry, as Mounties chased the suspect, who started unloading cash by throwing it out the car window. Cops believe it was money stolen from the CIBC, Henry said.

Cops finally snagged the suspect's ride with another spike belt that sent the vehicle coasting to a stop.

A police dog was called in to sniff out cash along the chase route. Henry was not sure if all the money has been collected.

Steven John Gallagher-Skinner, 43, of New Sarepta, has been charged with armed robbery, possession of a dangerous weapon, criminal flight and dangerous driving