Wayne Banks, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Missouri 2020

Wayne Banks, 42, of St. Louis, Missouri, is facing federal charges after pulling a loaded firearm on a Berkeley police officer during a violent confrontation. The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury, charges Banks with felon in possession of a firearm — a crime carrying serious federal penalties.

The incident unfolded on August 16, 2020, when a Berkeley Police Department officer patrolling near an apartment complex observed a large group loitering in the parking lot, in clear violation of posted ‘no loitering’ signs. The officer ordered the crowd to disperse. Instead of complying, Banks stepped forward and launched a physical attack, punching the officer in the head without warning.

What followed was a brutal struggle. As the officer attempted to subdue him, Banks reached for a firearm and pointed it directly at the officer. Despite the life-threatening threat, the officer managed to deflect the weapon. Banks continued fighting, repeatedly trying to re-aim the gun at the officer during the physical altercation.

Backup officers arrived and ultimately restrained Banks at the scene. From his person, they seized a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson Taurus semiautomatic pistol. Ballistics and records checks confirmed Banks, a convicted felon, is legally prohibited from possessing any firearm.

The case was investigated by the Berkeley Police Department and the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Banks was initially charged by criminal complaint on August 17, 2020, and has remained in federal custody since. He made his initial court appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of Missouri.

As this case moves forward, federal prosecutors emphasize that the indictment is merely an accusation. Wayne Banks is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges reflect the severity of confronting law enforcement with a deadly weapon — a crime that endangers public safety and undermines community trust.

Related Federal Cases