KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A brazen bank robbery turned into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse on March 9, with three suspects leaving a trail of destruction and terror in their wake.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Jacob L. Smith, 18, Gary Jordan, 39, and Danille Morris, 26, all of Kansas City, Kan., allegedly robbed the First National Bank at 7460 W. 199th Street in Stilwell, Kan. The trio, armed with handguns, held the tellers at gunpoint before fleeing with a backpack full of cash.
Morris and her 19-month-old daughter waited outside in the getaway car, which was later driven by Jordan. During the ensuing 25-minute high-speed chase, Smith fired at officers from the car, putting lives at risk.
The suspects crossed state lines as they fled, pursued by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. After the car overturned on a sharp turn, the defendants were arrested.
Smith, Jordan, and Morris are charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing firearms during the robbery. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 25 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and not more than life on the brandishing charge.
Agencies assisting in the investigation include the FBI, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department, and the Kansas City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting the case.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
The suspects are currently being held without bond. Their next court appearance has not been scheduled.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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