This episode of 'This Day In Sioux Falls History' focuses on the bank robbery that occurred on March 6, 1934, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The host, John Small, presents the story with information provided by author Joshua Sweets, who runs The Sioux Falls Fun Page and wrote 'The Most Amazing Stories In Sioux Falls History'. The episode begins with a sponsorship message from Thomas James and Bechtold Jewelry, the oldest jewelry store in South Dakota. It then introduces the main event: the robbery by John Dillinger, who was FBI's public enemy number one at the time. Dillinger had just escaped from prison in Crown Point, Indiana, where he was awaiting trial for the murder of Chicago policeman William O'Malley. His escape involved a fake gun he claimed to have shaped from a piece of wood. The robbery itself is described as cinematic, with tellers lying down and a silent alarm being pressed, leading to a shootout. A Tommy gun was used, and local patrolman Keith Hale was shot multiple times in the abdomen and lower extremities when he approached the building, though he survived. To escape, Dillinger and his gang took hostages from the bank, including three young women tellers and a bank manager. They placed these hostages on the running boards of their car to prevent police from opening fire. The episode notes that while it might not be appropriate to be excited about a bank robbery, it brought significant excitement to Sioux Falls. The narrative highlights the blend of historical fact and dramatic storytelling, emphasizing the impact of this event on the community. It connects to broader themes of crime in the 1930s and the notoriety of figures like Dillinger and Babyface Nelson. The format is educational and narrative, delivered in a solo style by the host. The episode ends abruptly in the transcript, but it sets up the robbery's aftermath and Dillinger's continued escapades. Overall, it provides a detailed account of a key moment in local history, appealing to those interested in true crime and regional stories.
