Lawyer Admits He Robbed Banks, Shot Cop

ST. LOUIS (CN) - An attorney pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges of robbing three Missouri banks and shooting a Missouri state trooper.

Warren J. Gladders, 64, of Wentzville, Mo., robbed three banks for a total of $55,000 from July 7, 2013 to Sept. 20, 2013, prosecutors said.

After the third robbery, Gladders was spotted by a 26-year-old state trooper, who tried to pull Gladders over. Gladders eventually stopped and came out of his car with a revolver in his hand.

Gladders shot four times, hitting the officer in the chest. The officer was saved by his bulletproof vest.

The trooper returned fire, hitting Gladders in the leg. Gladders fell and dropped the gun. The trooper arrested him and the trooper was treated for a bruised the chest.

No motive for the crime spree was given.

Gladders faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the three armed robbery counts and up to life in prison for the discharge of a firearm.

Gladders still faces state charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Gladders received his undergraduate degree from Colgate University and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis, according to several legal websites.

He will be sentenced on Oct. 16.

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