A local bank recently became the scene of a dramatic robbery, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
On January 9th, around 11:59 AM, the Ottumwa Police Department responded to a report of a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank located in the 200 block of W. Second Street.
According to the criminal complaint, 44-year-old Matthew Jones of Ottumwa entered the bank and informed a bank employee that it was a robbery and demanded money. Jones later admitted to officers that he made these statements. The bank employee complied, handing over approximately $550 in cash before Jones exited the bank.
Law enforcement officers apprehended Jones just outside the bank, where he was found in possession of the stolen money. He was subsequently arrested and is currently being held at the Wapello County Jail.
Jones faces charges of first-degree theft (a Class C felony) and second-degree robbery (also a Class C felony). As of this report, no preliminary hearing has been scheduled.
