Joplin man charged with Commerce Bank robbery

After a bank teller handed him $200, a Joplin man, apparently expecting more, said, "This was a bad idea," according to a probable cause statement filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

David Andrew Cox (DOB 1996) was charged with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action in connection with the May 3 robbery of Commerce Bank, 1820 E. 20th Street.

Cox is being held on  $250,000 cash-only bond.

The allegations against Cox are detailed in the probable cause statement:

On 05/03/2025, The Joplin Police Department was dispatched to an Armed Robbery that just occurred at 1820 East 20th Street, Commerce Bank. 

Tellers called 911 and advised a white male, wearing all black clothing, and a red and white face mask entered the bank around 11:00am on 05/03/2025 and handed the teller a note. The note stated this was a robbery and demanded money for the Offender's sick daughter. The male was also wearing a one strap man-pack across his chest. 

In the video, you can observe a 30 round Glock Magazine sticking out of the bag. The Offender also keeps his hands inside the bag as though it is on a firearm throughout the incident. 

The tellers handed the Offender $200 in US Currency from the bank's funds. The offender then stated, "This was a bad idea" He then left with the cash on foot toward the wooded area behind the bank. 

Later, through my investigation, I was able to identify the Offender as David A. Cox. I was able to do this through Anonymous Callers, and matching David's very distinctive tattoos on his neck and hands. 

On 05/05/2025 I was able to obtain a telephone number for David. I later contacted David through his telephone number. During my talk with David on the phone, he admitted to robbing the bank, and expressed he felt that it was an awful idea. 

David later turned himself in for the Robbery to me. David then gave a full confession and provided his DNA to Detectives to be sent to the MSHP Lab.