Man charged with robbing Risco bank

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 ~ Updated 2:50 PM
George E. Reed

NEW MADRID, Mo. - The cooperation of area law enforcement led to the quick capture of a bank robber.

George E. Reed, 55, was taken into custody Tuesday within an hour of the robbery of First State Community Bank in Risco.

Shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Reed allegedly entered the bank with a black long gun demanding money, according to New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens. After taking an undetermined amount of money, the robber left in an older model Lincoln Centennial.

"There were no injuries to bank staff," Stevens said. "They were obviously shaken up but they conducted themselves really well as far as how they reacted to him and they paid close attention to details. That was big part of us solving this crime."

The sheriff said a citizen provided details on the car Reed was driving.

After being alerted to the robbery by the Risco Police Department, Stevens said his officers arrived on the scene. He also requested assistance from the Missouri Highway Patrol and issued a description of the suspect and vehicle to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Malden Police located the suspect vehicle at 810 Tom Street in Malden and began surveillance. Stevens said when they saw Reed leaving the house preparing to get back in the vehicle, they detained him.

"When officers made contact with the driver, they observed in the front seat of the suspect's vehicle several items used in the bank robbery," Stevens said. "Officers identified the driver and noted he was wearing the same clothing bank employees described to the investigators."

Officers obtained warrants to search the house and the vehicle, locating a package of methamphetamine and a large amount of cash including several bills which matched the serial numbers of the currency which was stolen from the First State Community Bank.

Currently, Reed is being held on a $50,000 cash only bond in Dunklin County for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Stevens said while charges of bank robbery and armed criminal action are expected to be filed in New Madrid County, he anticipated the case will be moved to federal court.

"The reason this case was solved so quickly was the outstanding work among the responding agencies," Stevens concluded. "Risco Police did an outstanding job getting the information out and Malden (Police) did outstanding job, too."

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