Article by Elizabeth Moreno | Capital Insights
A 20-year-old Norfolk man is facing time behind bars after pleading guilty to a string of charges that started with shoplifting from a Target store and ended with him crashing a car while fleeing police just ten days later.
Jakobe Quintel Banks entered guilty pleas on March 26 to felony eluding, driving without a license, second-offense carrying of a concealed weapon (a felony), and misdemeanor larceny. A Norfolk judge will decide in June how much time he’ll serve—up to a year.
Caught at Target, Armed
Back on July 10, 2024, Banks was caught shoplifting at the Target on North Military Highway. But what turned a misdemeanor theft into something more serious was the handgun he had tucked under his shirt. Store security flagged the firearm, and Banks admitted to officers on the scene that he was carrying it concealed. He was issued a summons and released with a court date.
Fleeing Police, Crashing Into a Yard
But on July 20, things escalated. A Norfolk officer spotted Banks behind the wheel of a stolen car near Granby Street and Willow Wood Drive. When the officer tried to pull him over, Banks took off—speeding roughly 30 miles over the limit, weaving through traffic, and ultimately crashing into a residential yard.
He ran, but police caught him quickly. This time, he was held without bond and hit with more serious charges, including felony eluding and driving without a license. When prosecutors reviewed the case, they learned he had a prior conviction for carrying a concealed weapon and added a felony charge for the second offense.
What’s Next
Banks’ sentencing hearing is set for June 6. Judge Robert B. Rigney is holding off on issuing a final judgment until reviewing the pre-sentence report.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi didn’t mince words:
“Had he done right after getting caught at Target, he might have avoided that fate. Instead, he went out and endangered himself and others…”
Fatehi credited both Target security and police officers for their roles in stopping Banks and building the case.
“We will continue to be intentional in the way we pursue justice in Norfolk’s courts,” he said.