D.C. Armed Robber: Ronald Jenkins Cops Plea in Daylight Heist

A brazen daylight bank robbery in Northeast Washington D.C. has landed one suspect behind bars after Ronald Lamont Jenkins, 35, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to the June 2022 robbery.

The daylight heist took place at the bank branch located on the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue on June 13, 2022. Jenkins, a 35-year-old Washington D.C. resident, stormed into the bank, waving a black-and-gold handgun and demanding cash from the teller.

According to court documents, Jenkins entered the bank and ordered the teller to ‘open the drawer.’ With the gun tucked into his waistband, Jenkins grabbed a large amount of cash before making a quick exit. But the getaway was short-lived as FBI agents were hot on his trail.

Agents recovered a pair of neon yellow gloves, a black hooded sweatshirt, a pair of brown shoes, a pair of sweatpants, and a black face mask – all of which matched the clothing worn during the robbery. A subsequent laboratory review discovered Jenkins’ DNA on the clothing, leading to his arrest on November 15, 2023.

Jenkins has been detained since his arrest, and is set to be sentenced on August 21, 2024. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson is handling the prosecution.

The brazen daylight robbery has raised concerns about public safety in Northeast Washington D.C. Residents are calling for increased police presence in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.