Man accused of robbing Kansas bank to get away from his wife

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A man accused of robbing a Kansas bank and immediately surrendering to a security guard told investigators he preferred jail to life with his wife, the FBI said.

Lawrence John Ripple, 70, allegedly walked into the Bank of Labor in Kansas City on Sept. 2 and handed a teller a note reading, "I have a gun, give me money."

Court documents state Ripple took the money and sat down in the lobby of the bank until he was approached by a security guard.

"I'm the guy you're looking for," he allegedly told the guard.

Police responded quickly to the bank, which is on the same block as the city's police headquarters, and Ripple was arrested.

Ripple allegedly told investigators he has been arguing with his wife and "no longer wanted to be in that situation," court documents state.

The FBI affidavit in support of a robbery charge against Ripple states the suspect "wrote out his demand note in front of his wife ... and told her he'd rather be in jail than at home."

Ripple's wife said he had become angry when she reminded him that the clothes dryer needed to be repaired.

Ripple, who was charged with robbery and aggravated robbery, might have to wait to get his wish for jail over home life; he was released on bond Wednesday.