Model David Byers becomes alleged bank robber

An alleged bank robber arrested after a national police manhunt has been revealed as a beefcake fitness model and personal trainer.

People are losing their minds over David Byers' stylish nude shots after California photographer Michael Stokes posted a stunning series to his Instagram account.

The heavily inked hunk appears nude in the stylish pictures, spooning a motorcycle in one and slinging rope over his shoulder in another.

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A post shared by Michael Stokes (@stokes_photo) on Oct 3, 2015 at 2:19pm PDT

Police caught up with Byers on Wednesday after the 34-year-old from Solana Beach, California evaded pursuers through New York, Pennsylvania and Arizona after allegedly committing a string of bank and service station robberies in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Stokes said he was "completely shocked" by the arrest of Byers, who he said had enjoyed success as a model and was also a personal trainer who co-owned a gym.

He said the model had texted him on Tuesday to let him know he was moving to New York to live with his girlfriend.

"He said life was good and he was happy and that things had changed," Stokes told the Greenwich Time.

"When we do photoshoots we play up the badboy element, that's the appeal, but I guess inside a lot of these models there is a real bad boy. But it surprises me with David, because he had a good upbringing.

"I know he's an unusual guy, but bank robbery doesn't seem like his thing. He's always been so decent and respectful with me."

Stokes described Byers as a popular model who appeared on the cover of one of his books. He has also appeared on the covers of three romance novels.

Byers reportedly had a handgun tucked into his waistband when he was arrested but did not put up a struggle, police said.

The Greenwich Police Department has requested that he be extradited to Connecticut, where he faces one count of first-degree robbery, two counts of third-degree robbery, two counts of larceny, and one count of reckless endangerment.

Bail is set at US$200,000.