jbe0230's blog

Jesse James’ descendant robs bank

JB Everett

Staff Writer

Jesse James great-great nephew with the same name robbed the same bank as his ancestor Monday.  But just like the past, he got caught.

Jesse James tried to recreate the bank robbery at the original location where the infamous Jesse James was arrested.  The neo-Jesse James got caught by a policeman as he was backing out the door of the bank with $20,000 in hand.

“I was just trying to finish the job he started,” Jesse James said.  “This man has no sense of history,” commented Police Chief Weldon Freeman.

Explosion at local vehicle production plant

JB Everett

Staff Writer

Two GMX employees died and 52 other employees experienced injuries during an explosion last Monday at the Arlington GMX plant, according to fire officials.

Master Engineer Hector Fuentes, 45, and assembly worker James Frankel, 32, died at the scene of the explosion due to injuries sustained during the explosion.  James T. Kirk, 30, Leia Skywalker, 33, and Scott McCoy, 25 received third-degree burns and suffered severe smoke inhalation.  They were transported to the Arlington Memorial Hospital burn unit. James Kirk and Leia Skywalker have been moved to the burn rehabilitation area.  Scott McCoy is still in critical condition in the burn center.

“Kirk and Skywalker will have a long recovery period that will be painful at times.  We cannot make an assessment of McCoy’s recovery at this time,” said burn specialist Pierce Brosnan.

The damage to the plant covers an estimated 25,000 square feet.  The explosion destroyed the assembly line equipment and much of the bay/work area.  “Our investigation so far has revealed that someone placed a lit glass bottle filled with gasoline into a large gasoline tank, which caused the explosion,” Fire Inspector Colin Ferrell stated.  The rescue response took approximately six minutes.  Police are currently searching for two young white males who were seen in the area between 10:00 AM and 11:50 AM wearing blue-hooded sweatshirts with the word “FORD” on the back.

According to GMX Public Relations Director Neena Voltare, Arlington plant employees have the option to move to another plant in Midland, Texas until the Arlington plant reopens.  The employees who opt to move will receive compensation for moving expenses and temporary housing costs.  Employees that choose not to move will retain their position and receive 90 percent of their regular pay during the repair period.  Prices for vehicles will not change.