One Last Casualty in Stockton Bank Robbery

Last Monday, I drove by the Bank of the West branch where the robbery, chase and tragic shootout began here in Stockton last month. The first thing I noticed was the lack of cars in the parking lot. As I drove closer, it was apparent that the branch had been closed. That morning, the Record had run an interview with one of the witnesses in the bank, and the story they ran showed a sign on the door that the branch was "temporarily closed". My sister told me that she had heard a statement from the bank, that they were planning on closing the branch anyway, and this just precipitated the move.

You certainly can't blame them. The memories for those involved or a gruesome fascination of those who weren't would be an elephant in the room for anyone trying to conduct business as usual there.

There was an impromptu "shrine" in the shrubbery by the front door, with bouquets of artificial flowers left there by those commemorating those who died.


A notice on the door directs people to the next nearest branch. Memories have begun to fade. A year from now, on a slow news day, some (all?) local TV station will run a "one year anniversary" story about it. Nothing left to be said until the surviving human vermin that committed these acts go to trial.

Hanging's too good for them.

Stockton - In Black and White (With Red and Blue Lights)

Some small excitement this afternoon - I was driving home on Pacific Avenue when I saw a black and white police car, Code 3, pulling a u-turn, apparently the first responder to arrive on the scene of a bank robbery, blocking the parking lot and waving off a customer who was walking across the parking lot to the bank. Two more patrol cars then passed me going the other way, in the next block, and by the time I got home, I could hear a multitude of sirens. The following photo may indicate the reason why:

The chase, with three hostages involved and bullets flying stretched from here to nearby Lodi and back, lasting nearly an hour, finally coming to a halt about a half mile north of the bank. I count over two dozen black and whites in the photo.

Two of the three hostages were shot and released, condition unknown. Reports so far: three perps, three hostages, one person shot to death - apparently a hostage shot by the robbers. Reports have shots fired at police, striking police cars and houses of bystanders.

Will update as more details are confirmed.

Update: One suspect dead, two injured. Second fatality still not confirmed, but is assumed to be one of the hostages. No update on injuries to other two hostages 5:35 PDT

Update: According to News 10, all three suspects were shot, one fatally. Two suspects taken to hospital 5:41 PDT

Update: A bullet hole or two in the stolen getaway car... 6:27PDT

Update: According to News 10, a second suspect died of gunshot wounds 10:05 PDT
photo via KTVU

Update: As of 8AM this morning, Thornton road was still taped off and barricaded


At least 20 Stockton Police officers are on paid administrative leave after firing their weapons during Wednesday's fatal shootout

Update: Saturday 7/19 Report from Stockton Record that there may have been a fourth subject who dropped the robbers at the bank in a black sedan. Under the law, abetting a felonious death could make him eligible for the death penalty when apprehended.