By Kevin Jefferies
Cooper – A man that attempted to rob a bank in Cooper and led police on a high-speed chase has been identified. 42 year old John Thomas Phipps of Commerce is being charged with robbery, evading arrest with a vehicle, and DWI. Officials say he was drunk at the time of the incident.
Phipps walked into the First National Bank of Cooper around 9:30 Wednesday morning in nothing but short and shoes. He told the tellers he was there to rob the bank, noticed a security camera, then said never mind and left. Employees called police with detailed descriptions of the vehicle and the suspect. Phipps then showed up at a bank in Enloe, which had locked its doors, and police were able to catch up shortly after.
Phipps then led Delta County deputies on a chase down Highway 24 with speeds in excess of 100mph. A roadblock was set up to force Phipps off the road near the intersection of Highways 24 and 19. A rifle was found in Phipps' car.
The man was taken to Delta County Jail, and his total bond set at $235,000.