Dallas Firefighter Arrested For Bank Robbery
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A Dallas firefighter, arrested last month for shooting a gun inside a fire station, is in trouble again.
Jesus Ventura, who has been on administrative leave from Dallas Fire Rescue for about a month, is now facing a federal bank robbery charge and possible additional local charges for the attempted robbery another business.
Yesterday Dallas police were notified about the robbery of a Chase Bank in the 1800 block of Sylvan Avenue.
When police arrived they spoke with two bank employee witnesses. Police soon learned that the suspect had gone into the bank, asked where the restroom was and then left. An employee said the man returned to bank and when asked if he needed assistance responded, "I hate to do this to you, but I need you to give me all your money."
A protective glass separated the bank teller from the suspect, but the employee said she feared the suspect had a weapon and was quickly becoming more afraid for her life and the lives of other bank employees.
After reportedly becoming more aggressive with the teller, the suspect was given several bundles of money. After reaching under the protective glass and taking the money the suspect then slid a $20 bill back to the teller and said, "Here is a tip for you," and walked out.
After getting a description of the suspect police relayed the information to all officers. The suspect was taken into custody a short time later, not far from the bank.
Officers had located the suspect after responding to an attempted robbery call from a Valero gas station at the corner of Westmoreland and Fort Worth Avenue. A robber had entered and demanded money from the gas station clerk, but ran away when the employee refused. Officers found the suspect walking in the 3600 block of Davis.
The suspect was soon identified as Ventura. After being shown a photo lineup, with Ventura in it, at least one Chase employee told police they were "90-percent sure" Ventura was the bank robber.
When Ventura was taken into custody, police say they also recovered a pair of dark sunglasses, a backpack, and a large amount of money.
Before his arrest Ventura had already been charged with deadly conduct and placed on paid administrative leave for allegedly firing a gun inside Fire Station #46 on March 8.
When asked about that incident on March 15, DFR Lieutenant Joel Lavender told KRLD NewsRadio 1080, "I know at least one shot was fired, but I'm not for sure if anything other than that occurred."
So far, no one has been charged in the attempted robbery of the Valero gas station.
