Suspect in custody following a bank robbery in Joplin
The Joplin Police Department issued the following news release today (Wednesday, May 7):
On May 3rd, 2025, around 11:04 am, the Joplin Police Department began receiving 911 calls about a robbery that had just occurred at Commerce Bank, located at 1820 E 20th Street in Joplin. At that time, it was determined that a white male wearing a red and white face mask, dark colored sweatshirt, and dark sweatpants entered the bank. Upon entering, the suspect passed a note demanding money from the teller.
The male suspect indicated that he had a firearm during the robbery but never displayed it. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money from the bank, the suspect fled westbound on foot.
As the investigation continued, detectives with the Joplin Police Department were able to gather evidence to identify David A Cox, 28 of Joplin as a suspect.
On May 6th, 2025, Cox was arrested without incident and is currently in custody at the Joplin City Jail.
Charges for 1st Degree Robbery have been submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration. Since the suspect indicated he was armed during the incident, RSMO 570.023 states, when someone threatens the immediate use of a dangerous instrument against any person during the course of a robbery, the charge is 1st Degree Robbery.