Bank robberies are exceptionally rare events in Lincoln. We had three in 2009, two in 2010, and one in 2011. Saturday, we had our first bank robbery of 2012. It was quickly solved, however, with some great police work by street officers who worked the fundamentals, came up with a good description of the getaway vehicle, and then scoured likely areas to locate that car and its occupants.
As I've mentioned before, the odds are poor for bank robbers in Lincoln. In Saturday's case, eight arrests have been made so far, with the possibility that there will be more suspects rounded up for accessory or conspiracy as the investigation unfolds. One of the suspects arrested was just released from prison in January, paroled from the sentence he is serving in connection with the 2007 burglary of Scheel's All Sports.
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17 comments:
Law enforcement in Lincoln has come a very long way. Your post immediately brought to mind the tale about a gang with machine guns robbing a bank at 12th & O, chasing away the responding officers.
Clean,
Ah, yes. That would be this crime, number two on my all-time list. You worked with at least one guy with some first-hand recollection of that robbery, I believe.
Any chance these clowns used any guns from Scheel's?? How amazing that one just got out in January. That just goes to show how good our inmates are being treated in Prison. Maybe the return rate would be less if we didn't treat them like royalty and make them not want to come back.
Great job LPD & all involved!!
Maybe this time they'll put the criminals away for a good long time, like forever.
I might argue that we do not treat prisoners like royalty but like cattle. Because of budget cuts and an attitude about punishment and not rehabilitation, prisoners leave prison with no job or social skills, thus increasing the recidivism rate because they return to the life they knew rather than an alternative. Yes, some people are not redeemable, including perhaps this perpetrator, but I wonder if we create more criminals via mandatory prison time than if we put money toward rehab and prevention -- such as schools. I am sure that I will now be flamed and vilified.
I wasn't really surprised to see Collier involved in another major crime. Hopefully it'll be federal time for the three main suspects this time.
I think the kudos go to the witnesses who were able to provide clear descriptions. Had it not been for those witnesses I think this robbery would still be in the "who did it" stages.
I agree with Anonymous 9:36 If prisoners don't have the opportunity to better themselves and just spend their time watching TV and working out, then why should we be surprised when they get out and offend again? Especially when they go back to the same place with the same people they got in trouble with in the first place. Seems like common sense.
My question is since this is bank robbery, will the suspects be charged with federal crimes? Also, is it possible for Collier to be charged as a repeat offender?
Great work LPD!
And it's interesting to draw a line from that bank robbery and the modernization of the LPD. Your post mentions the acquisition of rifles (which I understand were hand-me-downs from the state penitentiary) and Thompson machine guns. One that you didn't mention was a Thompson semi-automatic carbine. It looks to me just like the other Thompsons, but it didn't have a full-automatic mode. I thought it was a lesser model. It turns out it was one of very few in the country, and apparently every serious gun collector in the country knew we had it. That one gun went a long way towards funding the move from a motley collection of old .38s to the 9mm guns we got. There's more, but this is already too long.
Has their been any progress/resolution to the holdup several years ago of the (former) TierOne Bank branch at 40th & Normal? This one is especially clear to me because a family member was working at that location when the robbery took place.
I am sure that I will now be flamed and vilified.
Nope, just pitied. That's condescending, but true. There are none so blind as those who will not see. You can't "make a criminal" out of a thug who is in prison because they are already just that - a serious criminal.
Proven predators and parasites shouldn't rate special favors (like training and education) over those who do not depradate their neighbors.
I'm all for "rehab and prevention" as long as it takes place in prison where these criminals belong. They can just as easily, and more safely, get counseling and training while they do their time, rather than letting them out where they are more than likely to fall back into their old ways. I'd rather pay to keep them there than become a victim when they get out after a short sentence.
Definately team work! From citizens out enjoying their day and being observant and good witnesses, to street officers canvasing the neighborhood of the crime and checking locations for known offenders, to LPD civilian employees scouring data systems that they have availible to them so officers on the street can stay on the street and continue working.
It really is GREAT when it all comes together! Good job LINCOLN!
A LJS Letter to the editor on 3/19/2012 offered an interesting option to locking up non violent offenders. The author was vilified for making his suggestion.
Gun Nut
To EVERYONE involved with the capture of these individuals: GOOD WORK!
Hi...I'm the poster that inquired about the 40th & Normal bank branch holdup. Over the years, since then, I've read several of your posts concerning bank robbery in Lincoln, and LPD's success/actions regarding these. To your credit, you typicaly rose to the occasion and answered non critical questions in this blog on this subject. If I wasn't directly related to the teller that was threatened with bodily harm by the "perps" in this holdup, I probably wouldn't attempt a repeat question, but all judgement aside, can you comment on progress/resolution about this robbery, as I've not seen anything in the "news" since then. Thanks.
3:43,
That robbery was on April 3, 2007, and it remains unsolved. Lots of good leads, but no resolution.
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