Feds charge man accused of robbing Texarkana bank, firing at police

Dixon Kelley III, 43, was arrested April 6 after he allegedly fired two shots from an orange handgun at officers who had him cornered when his black Dodge Charger became stuck in mud at a dead end on County Road 2301 not far from the Red River. Kelley allegedly robbed a Bank of the Ozarks branch on Richmond Road around 9 a.m. that morning. Texarkana, Texas, Police Department Officer Jeremy Courtney caught sight of the Charger described to dispatchers as a getaway car while on his way to the bank. The chase ended with Kelley’s arrest and no injuries to the accused or law enforcement.

A criminal complaint filed April 7 in the Texarkana division of the Eastern District of Texas accuses Kelley of armed bank robbery and of use or carrying of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense. Kelley appeared the same day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven for an initial appearance with Texarkana attorney Craig Henry.

A notice of punishment filed in the case states that Kelley could receive up to 25 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both, if found guilty of armed bank robbery. Kelley could get additional time for the orange pistol he used. Any sentence imposed for the weapon must be served consecutive to any prison sentence imposed for the bank robbery.

Carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence is punishable by five years to life in federal prison. Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence is punishable by seven years to life in federal prison. If found guilty of discharging a firearm, Kelley faces 10 years to life in addition to any sentence for the armed bank robbery.

Court records state the case will be presented to a federal grand jury for indictment April 19. Kelley remains in federal custody.