Downtown in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Dillinger Gang Bank Robbery
Angered, the bandits ordered about 30 bank employees and customers to raise their hands and to stand facing a wall. Lester Gillis, a.k.a. "Baby Face Nelson," then spotted motorcycle police officer Hale Keith running toward the bank in response to the alarm. Gillis wounded Keith by firing a burst from his Thompson submachine gun through a large plate glass north window.
"St. Paul Tommy" Carroll patrolled in front of the YMCA Block on the southeast corner of the intersection. For crowd control, he periodically fired a submachine gun to keep hundreds of onlookers at bay. He also held hostage several bystanders and lawmen.
To ensure their getaway, the bandits forced five bank employees to stand as human shields on the Packard running boards. They fired at pursuing law enforcement vehicles and scattered roofing nails to disable them. The gang netted $49,500 from the heist.
Erected 2010 by the Minnehaha County Historical Society, Mary Chilton DAR Foundation, in honor of Ardyce Samp, and Jon Kentfield Endowment Fund.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 6, 1934.
Location. 43° 32.833′ N, 96° 43.711′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of West 9th Street and South Main Avenue, on the right when traveling east on West 9th Street. Located on the north side of the Security National Bank building in Sioux Falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Germania Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Cradle of Statehood (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Germania Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Phillips Avenue Plaza (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cataract (about 500 feet away); Horse-Drawn Streetcars (about 500 feet away); The First National Bank in Sioux Falls (about 500 feet away); Tasunke-Ota (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.
Additional keywords. Security Bank
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2022. This page has been viewed 1,223 times since then and 197 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 17, 2022.