Charges imminent in Minnesota bank hostage case
Charges are expected to be filed against a man accused of holding five employees hostage during a standoff at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, bank that lasted more than eight hours
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Charges were expected to be filed Friday against a man accused of holding five employees hostage during a standoff at a Minnesota bank that lasted more than eight hours.
Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said a criminal complaint against the 35-year-old suspect was being prepared for filing in state district court later in the day, the Star Tribune reported.
St. Cloud police recommended charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping and second-degree assault against Ray Reco McNeary, who has a lengthy criminal history.
Police said Friday that no firearm was found on McNeary or at the scene. McNeary was arrested in the ells Fargo bank shortly after the final hostage left the building.
Wells Fargo spokeswoman Staci Schiller had said Thursday that the suspect had “some sort of weapon.” Neither police nor Kendall immediately responded to a message left inquiring about that.
Law enforcement officers began negotiating with McNeary about 1:45 p.m. Thursday after a robbery was reported. The first hostage, a woman, was freed several hours later and ran to officers with her hands raised.
A few minutes later, a second woman emerged and was led away. Then, just before 8 p.m., a male bank employee emerged unharmed. A fourth person, a woman, walked out minutes later.
A crowd had gathered near the bank and cheered each time a hostage emerged.
The final hostage was freed about 10:15 p.m. That’s when officers moved in and arrested the suspect. None of the hostages or McNeary were injured, police said.
Anderson said the standoff began when the suspect came to the bank and was disgruntled about a prior transaction. The branch manager called police because he was concerned about the safety of those inside the bank. Anderson said many people had already run out by the time officers arrived.
The chief said McNeary was known to authorities before the hostage situation.
“We have had numerous contacts with this individual dating back at least a decade, including violent crime,” Anderson said.
He remains jailed in Stearns County. Online jail records did not list an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.