Off duty Caddo deputy thwarts bank robber
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: January 2, 2011
Thanks to a vigilant off-duty Caddo Parish Sheriff's deputy, a Texas man is locked up after allegedly robbing a west Shreveport bank Friday.
Caddo Deputy Cpl. Willie Williams was using an ATM outside Capital One Bank in the 6100 block of Greenwood Road Friday morning when he observed a man fleeing and heard a dye pack explode. Williams immediately gave chase and pursued the suspect, intercepting him before he could reach his get-away car, parked behind a nearby business, and holding him until Shreveport officers and detectives arrived.
They identified the suspect as Jeffery L. Simmons, 45, of Marshall, TX, and charged him with first degree robbery.
Simmons entered the bank and handed the teller a note indicating he was armed with a gun and wanted money. The teller gave the bandit an undisclosed amount of cash and a dye pack. He tried to flee on foot, but Williams thwarted his plan.
Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw lauded the efforts of Cpl. Williams, saying, “Cpl. Williams selflessly, and at great risk to his own personal safety, engaged a bank robber and took that suspect into custody without assistance. His courageous actions are to be commended.”
