MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop H Headquarters-3525 North Belt-St. Joseph, MO 64506


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jacob P. Angle
(816)387-2345, ext. 3847
H62714
June 27, 2014

EMPHASIS: Citizens Honored For Assisting Law Enforcement

On June 25, 2014, Captain James E. McDonald, commanding officer of Troop H, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Nodaway County Sheriff Darren White honored two citizens for their assistance in the apprehension of three bank robbery suspects. Mr. Zealand Robert “Bobby” Smith of Elmo, Missouri, and Mr. Kevin J. Rankin of Maryville, Missouri, assisted law enforcement in apprehending three armed bank robbery suspects. The robbery occurred at the Citizens Bank and Trust in Burlington Junction, Missouri, on March 21, 2014.

On March 21, 2014, Mr. Smith witnessed two masked men enter the Citizens Bank and Trust and immediately phoned Sheriff White and advised him of what he just witnessed. When the two men left the bank, Mr. Smith followed the suspects while keeping Sheriff White informed of his location. Officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Nodaway County Sheriff's Department responded to the area and a manhunt ensued. Mr. Smith continued to communicate with the sheriff, who relayed the information to responding agencies and resulted in the suspects' apprehension.

Shortly after the bank robbery occurred Maryville Department of Public Safety contacted Mr. Kevin J. Rankin, manager of the Maryville Municipal Airport, and requested assistance. Mr. Rankin provided an aircraft and his piloting skills to Maryville DPS to aid in the search. Once the suspects were located from the air, Mr. Rankin flew his plane at treetop level, directly above the suspects until officers could arrive and take them into custody.

The actions of Mr. Smith and Mr. Rankin went above and beyond what could be expected. Both men ignored the risk to themselves when they assisted law enforcement in the apprehension of the armed bank robbery suspects. It is likely that without the assistance of Mr. Smith and Mr. Rankin the suspects would have eluded capture.

Captain McDonald presented an Honorary Trooper Certificate to Mr. Smith and a Certificate of Achievement to Mr. Rankin; Sheriff White honored both gentlemen with plaques. The presentations took place at a luncheon held at the American Legion building in Burlington Junction, Missouri.

In support of "The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths," the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

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