KC Reporter

An Independence, Missouri man has admitted guilt in federal court for two armed robberies and illegal firearm possession following a police chase. Duke A. Yates, 36, confessed to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark.

The incidents occurred on December 25, 2023, when Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreens in Independence at gunpoint within ten minutes. He stole between $500 and $700 in cash and several packs of cigarettes.

A police officer later identified Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight that matched the description from the robberies. The officer initiated a high-speed pursuit after Yates fled upon being spotted.

During the chase, Yates ignored stop signs, drove over medians, entered oncoming traffic, and nearly collided with another vehicle while evading police attempts to deploy stop sticks. The pursuit ended when Yates crashed into a power pole after failing to negotiate a turn on E. Truman Road.

Following the crash, Yates attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers who found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun inside the stolen truck.

Under federal law, Yates faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years without parole up to life imprisonment. His sentencing will be determined based on advisory guidelines and statutory factors after an investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Independence Police Department as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.