Knoxville Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested

The Knoxville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Chief Sterling Owen IV of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) announce the arrest of the individual suspected in today’s robbery of the Home Federal Bank in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

At approximately 9:45 this morning, a suspect entered the Home Federal Bank located at 2940 South Mall Road and presented a note demanding money. After obtaining an undetermined amount of money, the suspect fled the scene in a red Chevy pickup truck being driven by Archie Messer, age 41, of Powell, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, KPD officers located the suspect vehicle at the Deluxe Motel on Magnolia Avenue. Further investigation at the motel by FBI and KPD determined suspects’ involvement in the earlier robbery. At approximately 10:30 a.m., Eric Levi Rickus, age 35, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was arrested and charged without incident. 

Rickus is facing federal charges for bank robbery. This matter was a joint investigation of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (which consists of personnel from the FBI, KPD, and KCSO), and the KPD Major Crimes Unit.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.