JOPLIN, Mo. — A Joplin man has turned himself in following an armed bank robbery that occurred over the weekend. Authorities say David Cox, 28, surrendered to police on Sunday, the day after the robbery.
Cox is being held in the Joplin City Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond and faces charges of first-degree robbery and armed criminal action, according to local authorities.
The incident happened shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Commerce Bank, located at East 20th and Connecticut. Police say Cox entered the bank wearing dark clothing and a face mask. He handed the teller a note claiming it was a robbery, allegedly stating he needed the money to help his sick daughter.
According to court documents, Cox had a cross-body bag with a gun visibly sticking out of it. The teller gave him $200, after which Cox reportedly said, “This was a bad idea,” before fleeing on foot toward nearby woods.
Investigators were tipped off by anonymous callers who recognized Cox from his tattoos. Officers later contacted him by phone, during which Cox admitted to the robbery. He voluntarily turned himself in soon after.
Court records also reveal that Cox is suspected of committing a home invasion earlier the same week.
The investigation is ongoing, and Cox’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
