The Superior Express -

Tuesday the Jewell County Newspapers received multiple unconfirmed reports that the Guaranty State Bank branch office at Burr Oak was robbed about 9:50 that morning.

The suspected robber was thought to have fled west in a silver-gray flatbed pickup truck. The vehicle was described as a 2009 Dodge extended cab with two spare tires strapped to the bed. It was said to have Kansas license plate 250NSD. Later it was learned Todd Davis, a northwest Jewell County farmer, had reported a vehicle matching that description as having been stolen.

Following the robbery, area schools were locked down as a safety precaution and law enforcement agencies were alerted to be on the lookout.

The armed-suspect is thought to have acted alone. He reportedly was dressed in black or dark colors and carried what was described as a military-style assault rifle.

That description proved to be a contentious one. Traditionally an assault rifle was defined as a weapon generally developed for military use. In more recent times, some have maintained the term should only be applied to weapons which have the option of switching between semiautomatic and select fire modes. The firearms industry argues semiautomatic weapons should not be described as an assault rifle. Automatic firearms have been severely restricted from civilian ownership since 1934.

Tuesday afternoon it was thought the suspect or suspects may have been cornered near Esbon. By mid-afternoon Tuesday, the school lockdowns had been relaxed but at press time we were unable to confirm the status of the manhunt.

Law enforcement officers were understandably busy Tuesday and not available to confirm the validity of the reports reaching the newspaper office.

We hope to have confirmed information in a later issue of this newspaper.