On
Tuesday, 24 November 2009 the Lafayette State Bank in Mayo, Florida was
robbed by Jacob P. Launius of Murphysboro, Illinois. Launius entered
the bank at approximately 11:24 am and approached a bank teller,
placing a handwritten note on her counter. The teller read the note
that stated that Launius had a gun and was robbing the bank. The note
also stated that the teller was to place the money in a bag and further
demanded that she give him the keys to her vehicle as well as write
down the make, model, and location of her vehicle. The final statement
on the note demanded that she tell no one or he would shoot somebody.
After receiving $8,274.00 in cash and the keys to the bank teller's car
Launius exited the building, entered the bank teller's car, and fled
the scene. Lafayette County deputies quickly responded to the call and
immediately began a county-wide search. Also at this time a BOLO (Be On
Lookout) was issued for surrounding counties. Approximately 45 minutes
later Dixie County Sheriff's deputies located the suspect vehicle and
followed it into Taylor County. At this time Taylor County Sheriff's
deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. A
pursuit ensued and ended a short time later when the suspect vehicle
crashed and Launius attempted to flee on foot. Oficers quickly
apprehended Launius, who was still in possession of the money. Launius
is currently in custody in Taylor County. The following Law Enforcement
Agencies were instrumental in assisting the Lafayette County Sheriff's
Office with the apprehension of this felon:

Taylor County Sheriff's Office

Dixie County Sheriff's Office

Perry Police Department

Cross City Police Department

Florida Highway Patrol

Florida Department of Law Enforcement