Authorities in western Iowa are releasing the name of a man who died during a stand-off with authorities following a bank robbery and chase. Shelby County Sheriff Mike Hervey identified the man as 48-year old Larry Tiarks, of Avoca.
Hervey says his office was notified of a robbery at the Shelby County State Bank in Shelby at about 11:45 AM, Thursday. A deputy who was on-duty and in the City of Shelby at the time of the robbery, observed a vehicle leaving the city, that matched the description of the suspect’s vehicle.
The deputy engaged in a pursuit, which traveled east of Shelby to the 200-block of Juniper Road. The chase ended after Tiarks left his vehicle and entered a rural residence. Sheriff’s officials along with those from surrounding counties and the Iowa State Patrol established a perimeter around the residence.
At around 4 P.M., the Iowa State Patrol Tactical Entry Team, using specialized equipment from the FBI, made entry into the home. Tiarks was inside. The sheriff says the man died from a self-inflicted wound. An investigation into the robbery is being conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
By Ric Hanson, KJAN, Atlantic