Rosendo Enrique Rivero

Kay Newscow report — Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokeswoman Sara Stewart said Rosendo Enrique Rivero, 25, has been identified as the bank robbery suspect killed in a shootout with troopers last week on I-35.

Authorities believe Rivero robbed Impact Bank, 206 east Harvey, in Wellington, on Friday around 12:30 p.m. and then headed toward Oklahoma on I-35.

Florida authorities also wanted him in connection to the shooting of an elderly woman in Miami-Dade on March 17. (see story)

On Friday, Wellington police said that bank employees reported a man wearing a surgical mask entered the bank and handed a note to a clerk demanding money. The clerk complied, and Rivero left with close to $5,000 in cash. Rivero was 6-foot-6 and weighed more than 200 lbs.

Less than an hour later, OHP was notified by the Kansas Turnpike Authority that the suspect was southbound on I-35. 

A Port of Entry officer saw the suspect vehicle enter Oklahoma. A trooper located the vehicle after a short pursuit ensued. 

During that pursuit, the suspect reportedly fired shots at troopers, who fired back. The suspect fled on foot in the Interstate 35 and Highway 412 area not far from the Ponca Tribe’s Fancy Dance Casino.

Troopers and the suspect reportedly exchanged more gunfire and Rivero was killed. OHP spokesman Eric Foster told the media that during the robbery, Rivero told the clerk he had a bomb. A bomb squad was called and cleared Rivero’s vehicle of any explosives. (see related story)