One of 2 men who tried to rob a Fort Worth bank in July pleads guilty
One of the two men accused of going into a Fort Worth bank on July 19 and shooting three women during a botched robbery pleaded guilty to the crime in federal court.
Blake Taylor, 24, was indicted on charges of attempted bank robbery and using, carrying, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. His case was originally set for a jury trial Monday, but Taylor entered guilty pleas to both counts Nov. 2.
The indictment says that Taylor went into the Veritex Community Bank, at 2424 Merrick St., and opened fire. He shot three women, who all were seriously injured, authorities said.
The court document said Taylor and a second man, 24-year-old Desmond Wells, walked into the bank lobby and pulled out handguns. One demanded money and “almost immediately, both individuals fired shots at bank employees.”
Wells has entered a not guilty plea and his attorney has filed a motion for a competency hearing.
Two tellers behind the counter and one employee seated at the center island were shot. They were hospitalized with serious injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening.
No money was given to the men, authorities said.
Both men wore what appeared to be latex gloves during the attempted robbery and one carried what appeared to be a pillow case. One had either a towel or shirt wrapped around his face, the document says.
A witness outside the bank saw the two men run from an alley near the bank building and get into a white vehicle. The witness took a photo of the vehicle. The registration led police to the 5700 block of Blackmore Avenue, where Taylor and Wells were arrested.
After gaining a search warrant, investigators found a handgun inside a home on Blackmore Avenue with two rounds in the weapon. Those rounds were the same brand as the shell casings found inside the bank, the document says. Clothing that matched what the suspects had been wearing, along with blue latex gloves, were found outside in the trash, the document says.
Taylor is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on Feb. 22.
This story was originally published November 26, 2018 at 3:07 PM.
