Media Release from the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office:

On Tuesday, 24 November 2009 the Lafayette State Bank in Mayo, Florida was robbed by Jacob P. Launius of Murphysboro, Illinois. Launius entered the bank at approximately 11:24 am and approached a bank teller, placing a handwritten note on her counter.

The teller read the note that stated that Launius had a gun and was robbing the bank. The note also stated that the teller was to place the money in a bag and further demanded that she give him the keys to her vehicle as well as write down the make, model, and location of her vehicle. The final statement on the note demanded that she tell no one or he would shoot somebody.

After receiving $8,274.00 in cash and the keys to the bank teller's car Launius exited the building, entered the bank teller's car, and fled the scene.

Lafayette County deputies quickly responded to the call and immediately began a county-wide search. Also at this time a BOLO (Be On Lookout) was issued for surrounding counties.

Approximately 45 minutes later Dixie County Sheriff's deputies located the suspect vehicle and followed it into Taylor County. At this time Taylor County Sheriff's deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle.

A pursuit ensued and ended a short time later when the suspect vehicle crashed and Launius attempted to flee on foot. Officers quickly apprehended Launius, who was still in possession of the money. Launius is currently in custody in Taylor County.

The following Law Enforcement Agencies were instrumental in assisting the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office with the apprehension of this felon:
Taylor County Sheriff's Office
Dixie County Sheriff's Office
Perry Police Department
Cross City Police Department
Florida Highway Patrol
Florida Department of Law Enforcement