A convicted bank robber in Bay City is heading back to prison after violently breaking into a law enforcement building and assaulting officers.
New Prison Sentence Handed Down
Shane W. Gillette, 39, was sentenced on April 20 by Joseph K. Sheeran to:
- 3 to 7.5 years for malicious destruction of police property
- 3 to 5 years for assaulting a jail employee
The sentences will run concurrently but consecutively to his prior bank robbery sentence, meaning additional prison time. He also received no credit for time served due to being on parole.
Violent Break-In at Police Facility
The incident occurred May 12 at the Bay County Law Enforcement Center.
Authorities say Gillette:
- Used an emergency phone to demand officers come outside
- Smashed through secured glass doors by punching and kicking them
- Forced entry into the building lobby
- Made threatening “finger gun” gestures toward officers
Surveillance footage captured the entire घटना, showing him acting erratically before being taken into custody.
Assault on Officers Continues in Jail
Even after his arrest, Gillette allegedly continued violent behavior.
While in custody, he:
- Threatened officers
- Spat on a corrections officer
- Later attacked another officer, grabbing his throat and punching him multiple times
The officer suffered facial injuries, including cuts and swelling.
Damage and Charges
Officials estimated about $30,000 in damage to the facility’s doors.
Gillette later pleaded guilty to:
- Malicious destruction of police property
- Assaulting a jail employee
Background: Prior Bank Robbery Case
Gillette had been on parole for a 2021 bank robbery involving a Fifth Third Bank branch in Bangor Township.
In that case, he:
- Passed a threatening note to a teller
- Escaped with over $5,000
- Was later arrested in Pennsylvania after speeding without license plates
He had originally been sentenced to 2 to 15 years in prison before being released on parole in 2024.
Final Outcome
With his latest convictions, Gillette will now serve additional prison time, effectively returning to custody after violating parole through violent and destructive actions.