What was shaping up to be a quiet Saturday morning at a Jensen Beach bank ended with flashing lights and handcuffs after deputies arrested a suspected robber who did not get far after leaving the branch.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says 64-year-old Gregory Lee Kilgore of West Palm Beach was taken into custody on Saturday, April 11, shortly after he walked out of the Chase Bank branch in Jensen Beach. Deputies say they found cash and the clothes he allegedly wore during the holdup, and no injuries were reported. Officials say Kilgore is expected to face state robbery charges.
What The Sheriff’s Office Said
According to WPBF 25 News, investigators say Kilgore came into the Chase branch shortly after 9 a.m., demanded money and repeatedly grabbed at his waistband as if he had a gun, even though no weapon was shown. WPBF 25 News reports he then left the bank with cash and headed south on Federal Highway in a black Jeep Compass or a similar SUV.
Where It Happened
The robbery took place at the Chase branch at 2998 NW Federal Highway in Jensen Beach, according to branch listings on banking directories. The bank sits along Federal Highway near the Jensen Beach shopping area and is a regular stop for many locals running weekend errands.
Stop And Seizure
Per WPBF 25 News, deputies pulled over a vehicle not long after the robbery. Inside, they say they recovered cash believed to be linked to the holdup, hidden in the car. Detectives also reported finding the clothing Kilgore was said to be wearing during the incident and noted he has a prior theft history in Palm Beach County.
Legal Implications
Under Florida law, a robbery committed without a weapon is classified as a second-degree felony, with the elements and grading laid out in Florida Statutes §812.13. Penalties for second-degree felonies are set by the state’s sentencing statutes and can include prison time, depending on the facts of the case and any prior convictions.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active and has asked anyone with additional information to contact the agency. This story will be updated as booking records and court filings are released.
