FBI Recognizes Cape PD

Several Cape Girardeau police officers were recognized by the FBI on Thursday for their work that led to the arrest of two men connected to a Nov. 23 bank robbery.

The arrests of Marquel Rhines and Keiran Pippins were significant in assisting the FBI solve 11 bank robberies in the Atlanta area.

"I think one or both of the men claimed affiliation to an organization down there," said Jason Selzer, a spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

As FBI agents presented officers with their certificates of outstanding assistance, they referred to the officers' radio traffic, which agents were monitoring. Agents said they were impressed with the officers' efforts that led to the arrests.

On Nov. 23 officers were called to First State Community Bank, 2527 William St., after a teller reported a robber had presented a note demanding cash.

Patrolman Jason Jurgens said when officers arrived they witnessed a green Ford Explorer drive away from the bank and stopped the car.

"As I was stopping them, two suspects fled. Some of the officers caught the first one and a little later the second one was caught," Jurgens said.

Selzer said often when a bank robbery occurs, the suspect or suspects involved aren't immediately caught.

"What we're doing is what we're supposed to do, so you don't expect to get awards," Jurgens said. "When you do something like this it's nice to be recognized."

Also presented with certificates Thursday were assistant chief Roger Fields, patrolman Jon Jensen, Sgt. Rodney Barker, patrolman David Tucker, Southeast Missouri State University officer Kenny Mayberry and patrolman Brad Neels.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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