Man accused of making threat at Cape bank charged with peace disturbance

The man who allegedly threatened to rob a Cape Girardeau bank last week has been charged with disturbing the peace.

Daniel T. Koontz, 55, was arrested Friday after he entered the US Bank at 325 N. Kingshighway around 12:45 p.m. and allegedly became angry with a teller because she would not cash a check, according to a probable-cause statement. Koontz did not have an account with the bank nor did he have any identification.

The cashier told Koontz that he needed proper identification in order to cash a check at the bank. Koontz grew upset and began telling the cashier how much he hated the bank, alluding to his mother and a car loan, according to the statement.

"I've always wanted to rob this place," Koontz said before putting his hand in the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt and acting like he was holding up the bank, according to the probable-cause statement.

Two customers heard Koontz's threat and told him that they would be "the first to jump on him" if he tried to rob the bank, according to the probable-cause statement. Koontz left the bank.

A bank employee called police, and Koontz was arrested after he returned to the bank a short time later. He was later released pending formal charges.

Assistant prosecutor Jack Koester filed a misdemeanor charge of peace disturbance against Koontz on Wednesday. If convicted, Koontz faces up to six months in the county jail or up to $500 in fines.

A phone number for Koontz could not be immediately located Wednesday afternoon.

A court date for Koontz has not been set in the case, and online court records don't list a defense lawyer.

Pertinent address:

325 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO