Oct. 10, 2008

FEDERAL CHARGES FILED IN NEWTON BANK ROBBERY

WICHITA, KAN. – Travis Ryan Klutts, 27, Maize, Kan., was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed Friday with one count of bank robbery.

An agent’s affidavit filed with the complaint states that on Friday Klutts robbed First Bank, which is located inside a Dillons store at 1216 N. Main, Newton, Kan. Klutts allegedly entered the bank about 11 a.m. and gave the teller a note saying, “Give me all the money” and threatening to shoot anyone who resisted.

Klutts left the bank in a pickup and officers pursued him. The chase began in Harvey county and continued into rural McPherson county, where his truck rolled over near the intersection of 9th and Bucklin Road. Klutts was carrying a firearm when he fled on foot to an abandoned outbuilding.

According to the affidavit, Klutts is considered a suspect in three other robberies. On Sept. 26, 2008, the Intrust Bank in the Dillons store near 135th and Maple was robbed. On Oct. 6, 2008, the Intrust Bank in the Dillons near 37th and Woodlawn was robbed. In mid-September a Walgreens near Central and Maize Road was robbed and oxycotin was stolen.

If convicted, Klutts faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Agencies assisting in the case include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Newton Police Department, the Wichita Police Department, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, and the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.