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Feb. 19, 2009

OKLAHOMA MAN CHARGED IN BANK ROBBERY, DEATH IN COFFEYVILLE

WICHITA, KAN. - Ross A. Williams, 39, Claremore, Okla., has been charged with a Feb. 17, 2007, armed bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kan., in which a man was killed, Acting U.S. Attorney Marietta Parker said today.

A three-count federal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Wichita today accuses Williams of firing the shot that killed Willie Neal, Jr., of Georgia. Williams is charged with one count of bank robbery, one count of killing Neal while attempting to escape arrest for the bank robbery, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his attempt to escape arrest.
According to court documents, at about 4:55 p.m. Feb. 17 Williams entered the Bank of America at 1401 W. Eighth Street in Coffeyville. Brandishing a knife, he demanded money. He took money from a teller and left the bank riding a bicycle. A witness who followed him saw Williams put the bike in the back of an SUV and drive away.

Starting in the 1200 block of West 10th Street, Williams led police on a high speed chase that ended when his vehicle struck a tree. As Williams abandoned the car carrying an assault rifle, he fired multiple shots at police and they returned fire. He fled into a wooded area.

None of the officers was injured during the exchange of gunfire, but a bystander identified as Willie Neal, Jr., was shot in the upper thigh and died from the wounds. An autopsy recovered a bullet that ballistics examiners identified as consistent with the type of ammunition fired from an assault rifle.

About three and a half hours later, police found Williams crossing an open field and took him into custody without further incident. He was wearing body armor and carrying a pistol when he was arrested.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

• Bank robbery: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Causing a death while attempting to avoid arrest for a bank robbery: A maximum penalty of death or life in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The United States Attorney General's Review Committee on Capital Cases will be responsible for reviewing the case and making a recommendation to United States Attorney General Eric Holder on whether to seek the death penalty.
• Using a firearm in furtherance of avoiding arrest for a bank robbery: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Coffeyville Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked on the case. The following agencies assisted: the Caney Police Department, the Independence Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Labette County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Coffeyville Fire Department, and the Coffeyville EMS Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch are prosecuting.

As in any criminal case, a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.