THIS DAY IN CRIME HISTORY: APRIL 24, 1953

On this date in 1953, a crew of robbers held up the Southwest Bank in St. Louis. The robbers didn't get far with their loot; police officers confronted them as they exited the bank. In the ensuing shootout, a police officer and one of the robbers were injured, and two of the robbers wound up dead (one by his own hand). The story attracted national attention and was made into a movie in 1959 starring Steve McQueen. Officer Mel Stein, who shot and killed one of the robbers, played himself in the movie.

Check out this video from last fall about the robbery. It includes an interview with Officer Stein.

Hat tip: Living St. Louis

Further reading:
South County Journal: THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SIDE HISTORY: Bloody 1953 bank heist hit silver screen

The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery (1959) at IMDb