The man who allegedly robbed two Washington banks in as many weeks has now been charged with second-degree murder, after leading authorities on a chase that ended in a fatal collision.

Williamston resident Michael Ojay Branch, 42, of South Watts Street, was arrested April 21, soon after allegedly robbing State Employees’ Credit Union on West 15th Street in Washington. Branch was also wanted in connection to the April 6 robbery of First Bank, also on West 15th Street.

Branch led authorities on a chase April 21, after a deputy with Martin County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull him over.

“The suspect refused to stop and a pursuit ensued,” a MCSO press release stated. “The pursuit began on U.S. Highway 17 near Macedonia Christian Church and continued down Highway 17 into Williamston.”

The chase ended about 8 miles later at the intersection of East Main and South Watts streets in Williamston when Branch’s white Ford truck collided with a Chevrolet Impala.

The driver struck has been identified as Annie Pearl Bennett, 86, of Williamston, who passed away Wednesday due to injuries sustained during the accident.

“Typically we don’t release the specifics of the injury,” Lt. Drew Robinson, MCSO public information officer, said Friday. “She was in the hospital for several days.”

Charged for the two bank robberies, Branch is being held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $1 million bond.

Robinson said Branch will likely be transferred to the Martin County jail over the weekend, and at this time, there are no more charges pending.

Branch’s first court appearance is scheduled for Monday in Martin County.