The Notorious AK-47 Bandit: The Story of Richard Lee Gathercole

TLDRRichard Lee Gathercole, also known as the AK-47 Bandit, is a former police officer and military personnel turned professional bank robber. Over the course of three years, Gathercole successfully conducted a series of armed bank heists across multiple states. He showed exceptional proficiency with firearms and had an in-depth understanding of police operations, making it difficult for authorities to capture him. However, his criminal spree came to an end when he was arrested in Kansas after shooting at a state trooper. Gathercole is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence.

Key insights

💰Richard Lee Gathercole, also known as the AK-47 Bandit, was a former police officer and military personnel who turned to a life of professional bank robbery.

🔫Gathercole displayed exceptional proficiency with firearms, including the use of an AK-47, and had extensive knowledge of police operations.

🌎He conducted a series of armed bank heists across multiple states, carefully selecting targets in areas with overwhelmed police forces.

🚓During his criminal spree, Gathercole successfully evaded capture, making it difficult for authorities to apprehend him.

⚖️Gathercole's criminal activities came to an end when he was arrested in Kansas after shooting at a state trooper. He was later sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Q&A

Was Richard Lee Gathercole a former police officer?

Yes, Richard Lee Gathercole was a former police officer and military personnel.

What was Gathercole's weapon of choice?

Gathercole had exceptional proficiency with firearms, particularly the AK-47.

How long did Gathercole's criminal spree last?

Gathercole conducted a series of armed bank heists over the course of three years.

Did Gathercole have any knowledge of police operations?

Yes, Gathercole had extensive knowledge of police operations, which allowed him to evade capture for an extended period of time.

What led to Gathercole's arrest?

Gathercole was arrested in Kansas after shooting at a state trooper during a DUI stop.

Timestamped Summary

00:00[Music]

00:45Richard Lee Gathercole, also known as the AK-47 Bandit, was a former police officer and military personnel who turned to a life of professional bank robbery.

02:59Gathercole conducted a series of armed bank heists across multiple states, carefully selecting targets in areas with overwhelmed police forces.

11:15Gathercole's criminal activities came to an end when he was arrested in Kansas after shooting at a state trooper. He was later sentenced to 35 years in prison.

14:02Gathercole's arrest led to the discovery of evidence linking him to the string of bank robberies.

15:48Richard Lee Gathercole, also known as the AK-47 Bandit, is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence.