71-Year-Old Charged in Downtown Columbia Bank Robbery

Basil Kyles faces multiple felony counts for Saturday's armed heist at First Mid Bank and Trust

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Boone County's prosecutor has filed first degree robbery, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon charges against 71-year-old Basil Kyles for the armed robbery of a downtown Columbia bank branch on Saturday. Kyles was captured about five hours after the incident near Sexton and Garth, with police tracking him using private security cameras and Flock license plate readers.

Why it matters

Bank robberies are rare in Columbia, and this incident has raised concerns about public safety and security in the city's downtown area. Kyles has a history as a 'serial bank robber' according to the FBI, making this an especially serious case.

The details

Boone County prosecutor Roger Johnson has charged Basil Kyles with first degree robbery, two counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon for the Saturday robbery of the First Mid Bank and Trust branch in downtown Columbia. Police were able to locate and apprehend Kyles about five hours after the incident using a combination of private business security cameras and Flock license plate readers to track his movements.

  • The bank robbery occurred on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Kyles was captured by police around 5 hours after the robbery near the intersection of Sexton and Garth.

The players

Basil Kyles

A 71-year-old Columbia resident who has been charged with first degree robbery, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon for the downtown bank heist. Kyles has previously been described by the FBI as a 'serial bank robber'.

Roger Johnson

The Boone County prosecutor who has filed the criminal charges against Kyles.

First Mid Bank and Trust

The downtown Columbia bank branch that was robbed at gunpoint on Saturday.

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What’s next

Kyles will likely make his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for continued investment in security infrastructure and coordination between law enforcement and local businesses to deter and respond to rare but serious crimes in Columbia's downtown district.