Marcus A. Banks-Bey
| Marcus A. Banks-Bey | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1980 |
| 💼 Occupation | Retired U.S. Army Captain and Chaplain |
| 📆 Years active | 2000 - 2021 |
Marcus Andrew Banks-Bey (born in 1980) is a former U.S. Army chaplain accused of several crimes in California, including a carjacking, a hoax emergency call, and a bank robbery.[1]
Military career and chaplaincy service
Banks-Bey served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2000 to 2021, completing both enlisted and officer tracks and rising to the rank of Captain and unit Chaplain. He deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria from November 2017 to April 2018.[1] His chaplaincy included suicide intervention, trauma counseling, and support for military families. Banks was discharged from the army under unclear circumstances.[2]
Alleged criminal activity
Carjacking in Madera
At approximately 12:50 p.m. on May 9, 2023, Banks-Bey allegedly approached an AT&T employee in a van at the Riverstone business complex in Madera County, California. According to the Madera County Sheriff's Office, he brandished what appeared to be a firearm—later identified as an airsoft pistol—and attempted to carjack the vehicle.[3] The van’s driver reportedly disarmed Banks-Bey before being pepper-sprayed. Banks-Bey then fled the scene in the stolen van.
Hoax 911 call
Shortly after the carjacking, a 911 call was made, reporting an armed man walking onto the campus of Bullard High School (Fresno, California). The school was placed on lockdown while authorities investigated. Police later determined the call to be a hoax, allegedly made by Banks-Bey to divert law enforcement attention.
Bank robbery in Fresno
Around 1:17 p.m., police responded to a robbery at the Central Valley Community Bank on Fresno Street. A suspect matching Banks-Bey’s description and driving a vehicle matching the stolen van allegedly entered the bank, claimed to be armed, and demanded money.[4] He was seen wearing a mask and gloves during the incident.
Arrest and charges
Banks-Bey was arrested in Fresno, California, on May 9, 2023, following a multi-stage incident. Detectives assigned to the Career Criminal Auto Theft Team (CCATT) in Fresno located the stolen van near Lexington Avenue and Audubon Drive. Banks-Bey allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly afterward.[5] The police pointed out that the evidence recovered during the arrest connected him to the carjacking, false emergency call, and bank robbery.
Banks-Bey was booked into Fresno County Jail and charged with felony carjacking in Madera County, attempted bank robbery, and falsely reporting an emergency. His bail was set at over $130,000.[2]
Family and personal life
Banks-Bey is currently divorced, having previously filed for legal separation in 2016 in Fresno County Superior Court, where the case was presided over by Judge David Kalemkarian.[6] He is currently an author and actor[2][1] and runs a non-profit—Life Ambassadors International (LAI).
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Schogol, Jeff (2023-05-12). "Former Army chaplain arrested in bizarre bank robbery crime spree". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Fresno bank robbery suspect tied to armed carjacking, hoax shooting call at Bullard High, police say". ABC30 Fresno. 2023-05-11. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
- ↑ "Video Former army chaplain linked to string of crimes from Madera to Fresno: Police". ABC News. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
- ↑ "Suspect arrested after robbing bank in northeast Fresno". ABC30 Fresno. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
- ↑ Melrose, Karen (May 10, 2023). "Bank robbery, school threat, van theft: Fresno PD says this man did all that in 1 hour". YourCentralValley.com. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
- ↑ "Case 16CEFL03125 Marcus Banks-Bey Vs Brandie Banks-Bey - Trellis: Legal Intelligence + Judicial Analytics". Trellis.Law. Retrieved 2025-04-22.
External links
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