Suspect in Richland bank robbery was on probation for trying to rob Lexington bank

A man who was on probation for trying to rob a Lexington bank in 2017 was arrested Thursday after an armed robbery at a Richland County bank, according to authorities.

It happened around 8 a.m. at the First Palmetto Bank on the 10000 block of Two Notch Road, according to Sgt. Amanda Jordan of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responding to the call quickly apprehended the suspect, Jneil Jacobs.

Jacobs, 28, approached the bank employees as they entered the building and tried to force his way in, brandishing a gun and demanding money, Jordan said. Deputies arrived at the bank within minutes of the call and found Jacobs inside with the money and a gun.

Jacobs will be taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a charge of armed robbery, Jordan said.

In June 2017, Jacobs was arrested by Lexington police on a felony charge of entering a bank with intent to steal, according to a records check by the State Law Enforcement Division. He pleaded guilty in March 2018 and was sentenced to five years with credit for time served and two years probation.

Armed robbery carries a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum of 30 years, under South Carolina law.

Thursday’s robbery comes just over a week after two armed suspects robbed the S.C. Federal Credit Union in Forest Acres. One of the suspects in that robbery was shot and has been charged; however, the second suspect remains on the run.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published February 14, 2019 at 10:33 AM.