An Ohio police officer who thwarted a bank robbery earlier this year has been cleared of all wrongdoing- but will need to find a new financial institution.
Mount St. Joseph University Police Officer Carl Rauschenberger was visiting Key Bank in may when he saw two armed robbers entering the bank.
Acting quickly, the off-duty officer drew his sidearm and ordered robbers Nelson Jones and Malcom Jones to the floor.
Not having it, Malcom Jones exchanged fire with Rauschenberger.
Smoke filled the air and brass flew as the flat percussion of gunfire deafened everyone in the room, shattering glass inside the bank. One of the suspects was apprehended.
However, Key Bank security later called Raushchenberger and told him he wasn’t welcome back at the bank anymore, according to Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters.
“He just showed a remarkable sense of bravery in that whole video,” Deters said. “I mean, he put himself at risk for the safety of others and he should be commended for it. He certainly shouldn’t be asked not to be their customer anymore.”
Deters went on to say that Key Bank has a strict policy about placating robbers in hopes of catching them later, and that Rauschenberger could no longer bank there.
Key Bank spokeswoman Kimberly Kowalski disputed (or backtracked) this claim, telling WCPO later that it must have been a misunderstanding.
“To be clear, at no time did we ask this client to end his relationship with KeyBank and we will contact him to discuss his concerns,” she said.
While police arrested Nelson Jones, Malcolm Jones remains at large. Both men have been indicted on federal charges including use of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to use a firearm during an in relation to a crime of violence.
