Racine man accused of holding 10 people hostage inside Dollar General store

NOW: Racine man accused of holding 10 people hostage inside Dollar General store
NEXT:

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 49-year-old Racine man is accused of holding ten people hostage inside a Dollar General store. 

It happened on Feb. 9, near Washington and Perry Avenues. 

According to a criminal complaint, Darrin Banks entered the store and yelled, "get back" and "don't go out that door."

At the same time, customers in the store used their cellphones to call for help. When police arrived, Banks was located outside the store and did not listen to commands being given by officers. Banks was eventually taken into custody. 

Witnesses told investigators they believed Banks had a gun during the incident, and at one point heard Banks say, "it's a stick up." 

In total, ten people were confined to the back of the store. 

Authorities learned Banks made the store manager call 911 and tell the dispatcher the store was being robbed. Investigators say Banks became irritated and told the manager he didn't have a gun and didn't want to hurt anyone, he "just wants to die." 

"When we arrived Mr. banks was outside and he was very agitated yelling at police to shoot him," Racine Police Sgt. Chad Melby said. "They attempted dialogue with him unsuccessfully and used a taser in attempt to subdue him fearing that he was armed, which was unsuccessful."

Police had to use physical force to get Banks into custody. He was taken to the hospital for mental health evaluation and then jail.

Banks has been charged with ten counts of false imprisonment and being held on a $5,000 cash bond. He's due in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 19. 

Share this article:
By using our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy