On May 1, 2018 at approximately 12:25PM the Newton Police Department received a hold up alarm at Great Western Bank (511 1st Ave E - Newton, IA). Bank employees reported that a male, identified as 22 year old Michael Dean Phillips, handed a teller a note, advised he had a bomb and demanded money. Phillips exited the bank with an undisclosed amount of money and ran southbound from the scene. Phillips’ clothing and a pillow, which he indicated was the bomb, were found 2 blocks from the scene.
Phillips is still at large and a nationwide warrant for 1st Degree Robbery has been issued for his arrest. Michael Dean Phillips is 6’02”, 170lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the Phillips are encouraged to contact the Newton Police Department at 641-792-1547 or Jasper County Crimes Stoppers at 641-792-8362.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty
