St. Louis men charged in WingHaven UMB Bank robbery
January 7, 2009
O'Fallon
The O’Fallon Police Department issued a press release today stating:
On 01/06/09, at approximately 12:25 p.m. the O’Fallon Police Department was contacted in reference to a bank robbery at the UMB Bank in the 9000 block of WingHaven Boulevard.
James Powell allegedly entered the bank with a note indicating he had a bomb. He demanded money from the bank teller. When he was given the money by the teller, he left an envelope he said contained a bomb.
He ran to a residential area where Dwight Graves allegedly was waiting in a vehicle. Powell got into the vehicle and left the scene.
A witness saw Powell get into the vehicle and notified the police of the vehicle description. The vehicle was seen a short time later on Highway 70. A pursuit ensued and the suspects were taken into custody.
The St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called and they responded to the bank. No explosive devices were located.
The two suspects who allegedly committed the robbery were: 40-year-old James Powell and 27-year-old Dwight Graves, both of St. Louis.
The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges of Robbery 1st on both subjects, with $100,000 dollar bonds.
Prior story
According to Officer Diana Damke with the O’Fallon Police Department, “it was inferred that there was a bomb.” There was mention of a suspicious envelope, but the Bomb Squad found no explosive material. No one was hurt during the incident.
The O’Fallon Police Department also issued this press statement:
“On 01/06/09, at approximately 12:25 p.m., the O’Fallon Police Department was contacted in reference to a bank robbery at the UMB Bank in the 9000 block of WingHaven Boulevard. The suspect left with an undetermined amount of money. A pursuit ensued. Two suspects were taken into custody. The investigation continues.”
Damke also said that if Federal authorities do not take the case, then charges will be filed at the county level. (See initial story below)
Original Story
Information is sketchy, but here is what we have so far:
Initial reports indicated the suspect was an armed black male who fled on foot. Authorities chased a silver Escalade as the possible suspect vehicle. The car chase ensued on Interstate 70 to Highway 79, in the Industrial Park, near Budweiser. It seems that initial reports indicate at least two people were taken into custody.
WingHaven’s UMB Bank’s phones are not working. A Cottleville UMB Bank representative hung up when asked if everyone was OK.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
