Man Convicted For Attempting To Rob Bank With Toy Gun; Robbery Stopped By Marine, Cop

November 13, 2009

A man that tried to rob a Nine Mile Road bank in early June with a toy gun  has been found guilty of attempted robbery.

whaley.jpg William Jerry Strickland Jr. 49, was in the parking lot of the Whitney Bank at 200 East Nine Mile Road wearing a black trench coat, plastic gloves and a blondish wig covering his face, but he  never had a chance to rob the bank thanks to the quick thinking of a United States Marine Reservist and an off duty Pensacola Police Department officer.

Marine Reservist Jansen Smith and off duty PPD officer Jamon Johnson observed the suspect as he was approaching the bank, according to Investigator Jeff Van Camp with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. Bank Branch Manager Christine Coulter secured the bank, and Strickland then fled the scene with the Marine and police officer in pursuit.

Strickland was apprehended about a block away, with a black toy gun in his trench coat pocket along with a note, Van Camp said.

Strickland will be sentenced December 17. He could face up to 30 years in state prison as a habitual defender.

Comments

One Response to “Man Convicted For Attempting To Rob Bank With Toy Gun; Robbery Stopped By Marine, Cop”

  1. LULU on November 13th, 2009 9:20 am

    Yay Marines and PPD officer!! Nobody I’d rather have near me than a true patriot!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News