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Criminal Records - Most Wanted |
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Profile |
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Name: Mark William Samples
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Race: White |
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Age Now: 45 |
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Height: 6'0" |
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Weight: 225 lbs. |
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Hair (Color, Description, Facial Hair): Brown
Usually wears a mustache and sometimes a beard |
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Eyes (Color and Correction): Hazel |
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Other Physical Characteristics: Has a scar on his back
Wears size 12 shoes
Has told family members that he wants to commit suicide
Authorities say he is in possession of handguns and rifles
Has taken Prozac, Interferon and other medication for Hepatitis C
Medication makes him nauseated and tired
Had an apprenticeship to become an electrician
Also worked as a phlebotomist, and is interested in veins and will talk about veins frequently
Has worked as a life guard
Described as a perfectionist; everything has to be perfectly straight and clean
Shaves with an electric razor, never a blade
When he brushes his hair, he does so very harshly to the point where his scalp will become raw
Doesn't cook, prefers to eat out, usually at Perkins or Burger King. Also likes sushi
Likes to camp, mountain-climb or anything outdoorsy and thrilling
Likes football; the Green Bay Packers are his favorite team
Watches the Weather Channel often
Knowledgeable about computers and the internet, probably has a laptop with him
Doesn't do drugs, but drinks Corona Beer
His weight fluctuates widely |
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Wanted for :
Armed robbery, Red Wing, MN;
May 03, 2001
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Location(s) |
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Last Seen : Unkown |
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Possible Location : Indianapolis, IN
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Minnesota |
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Last Known : Unkown |
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Traits |
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Case Story |
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From Military Hero To Bank Robber |
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On May 3, 2001, Mark Samples, armed with a .45 caliber handgun, entered a Red Wing, Minnesota, Credit Union and robbed it.
But his getaway was far from ordinary. After robbing the bank, Samples got away on a bicycle. He rode the bike down an enbankment, where he lost control; money and his handgun went flying. Now on foot, Samples made his way to the banks of the Mississippi where he'd stashed SCUBA equipment. He donned the gear and dove into the water. Wading downstream for hours, Samples waited until the coast was clear before making it back to shore, where he'd left his car. Then he drove home, figuring the coast was clear. |
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Blaming it on Iraq |
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Agents tracked the dropped handgun to Samples, and he was arrested. He pled guilty, but said he had an excuse.
In 1987, an Iraqi Exocet missile hit the USS Stark on patrol in the Persian Gulf. Mark Samples was a gunner's mate aboard the ship. For hours, Samples sprayed down the ship's missiles, which laid perilously close to the fire caused by the explosion. Because of his actions, Samples received a medal for his heroism.
As years past, it became apparent that Mark Samples still felt the effects of that day. He was eventually diagnosed with Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder. Samples claimed the medication he took for the PTSD caused him to rob the bank. |
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The Robber Hits The Road |
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When Samples learned that his guilty plea would result in a five-year prison sentence, he withdrew the plea and decided to take his chances with a jury. A September 4, 2002 trial date was set.
On Friday, May 31, 2002, Samples picked up his son Christopher from the home of his estranged wife, Jennifer Bjork. The two shared custody of the child. Samples agreed to return him on Sunday morning in time for church. But he never did. Mark Samples had gone on the run -- and taken Christopher with him. |
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