Cross-country chase to catch serial robbers ends in Salinas
Authorities say they’ve caught a “Bonnie and Clyde”-type couple, believed to be responsible for 60 robberies across the country. Terry Jacobs, 46, and Jayme Wilson, 26, were busted at a Salinas home three months after their alleged crime spree began.
Authorities in Missouri say Jacobs is held up three fast-food restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri in December. Days later, they say he and Wilson robbed two banks in Independence and Kansas City. In one instance, a woman was pistol-whipped while trying to stop one of the bank robberies.
Between that time and February, the couple traveled to Salinas, robbing other businesses along the way. In total, police link them to 60 robberies, including seven in Salinas. Most of the robberies happened on N. Main Street at fast-food restaurants and gas stations.
During their time in Salinas, they met a man named Dyshon Hobson in Chinatown. A man of second chances, Hobson said he didn’t hesitate when he met the two.
“We both talked about the Bible, we both had prison experience on where we came from, talking about where we going,” Hobson said.
The couple went to church with Hobson and would stay in their van outside of Hobson’s home.
The FBI’s investigation led them to Salinas. The Salinas Police Department knew they had the robbery team on their hands once they were able to connect with federal authorities.
“We weren’t on to them,” Chief Kelly McMillin said. “And it wasn’t until the FBI came into town, notified us that they had suspects in mind and made the arrest. When we assisted some of the interviews, our local cases broke as well.”
The couple was under surveillance for at least four days when local, county, state and federal agencies swooped in.
“The family was starting to get some suspicion that things were not like what they said they were, and they were concerned about it,” FBI Special Agent Michael Gimbel said. “So they prayed, and about the time this was going down was when the arrest team was showing up.”
Authorities believe the timing of the arrest prevented a bank robbery in Seaside.
Despite all this, Hobson said he would continue to help anyone in need.
“If I was out there in a bad way, I want someone to help me out,” Hobson said. “If my son was out there, or my family member, and something happened to them, I would want somebody to take them in and do right by them.”
Jacobs and Wilson have been indicted on federal charges. There’s no word yet about when they will go to trial.