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On the Scene

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Officers Cyril Boyard (left) and Lawrence Keyes (right)

Photo coutesy of Ursula Patzke

Recognizing the serious flaw in their plan, Dillinger and Pierpoint jumped into action to make their escape. However, the men still at the front of the bank, Clark and Makley, were already dealing with the arriving law enforcement.


After Graham had tripped the alarm, Patrol Franklin Worsley, Sergt. Wilbur Hansen and officer Cyril Boyard left for the bank. Thinking that it was just a false alarm, the policemen wanted to show off a bit for the customers. They rushed to the bank with sirens blaring and Hansen carrying a Thompson machine gun at his side. Worsley stayed in the car while Hansen and Boyard walked casually up to the door where an unknowing civilian who had just arrived on scene opened the door for them.

“You fellows made plenty of noise as you were coming up the street”

Garret Veenstra to Sergt. Wilbur Hansen and officer Cyril Boyard

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Mirror in nearby hat shop broken by stray bullet

Photo coutesy of Ursula Patzke

The officers entering the bank were not expecting a crisis and the gang got the jump on them and quickly took control of the situation.

"Get the cop with the machine gun!"

Clark yelled to Makley as the officers walk in. Makley quickly obliged and shot Srgt Hansen twice, knocking him to the ground. Across the street at a local poolroom, two detectives lurked waiting for their chance to catch the criminals. Makley noticed their activity and opend fire on the building, shattering glass and sending everyone outside ducking for cover.