ALEXANDRIA — The FBI is investigating whether James M. Kirk — a 46-year-old man identified by police Saturday as a bank robber who killed himself in Alexandria after a shootout with police — can be linked to other robberies.

        Authorities said Mr. Kirk of Shelbyville, Ky., shot himself Friday afternoon after a six-hour crime spree and chase that began with the robbery of the Kentucky Bank in Paris and continued through at least five counties in four stolen cars.

Ellison

        Before police could corner him, the robbery suspect shot Campbell County Police Sgt. Stephen Ellison. Only his bulletproof vest saved him from serious injury, police said.

        The sergeant, whose firefighter brother was killed on duty in March, continued to recover at home Saturday.

        Police believe Mr. Kirk held up the bank outside Lexington about 9:45 a.m. Friday, and stole vehicles and shot at police officers while trying to flee north.

        Sgt. Ellison spotted him driving a stolen pickup at about 3:30 p.m. on U.S. 27 near Moreland Drive, just south of Alexandria. He pulled the vehicle over and was shot in the chest.

        Mr. Kirk then drove through a field and a subdivision, trading his stolen pickup for a stolen minivan, shooting at Campbell County officers before commandeering another car.

        Cornered at an AmeriStop gas station near U.S. 27 and Ky. 10, Mr. Kirk opened the door of his stolen Chevy Beretta and shot himself in the face, police said.

        Although he carried identification, the FBI was unable to confirm Mr. Kirk's identity until Saturday evening because of his injuries.

        “We're pursuing what, if anything, he may have been involved in prior to this,” said FBI spokesman David Beyer in Louisville. “Our investigation will also attempt to ascertain whether he had any accomplices, although we do not believe so at this time.”

        Sgt. Ellison was released from University Hospital Friday night. His father, William Ellison of Melbourne, Ky., said he sustained bruises on his chest and leg but appears to be OK.

        The sergeant will continue to recuperate in his southern Campbell County home for at least a couple of days, his father said.

        Mr. Ellison and his wife, Donna, lost their son Bill last year. The Miami Township firefighter died after fighting a house fire.

        Sgt. Ellison and his wife, Missy, married in May and have no children.

Bringing Graham to town rises above race
Fire damages Northside foundry
Reece still mum on Lemmie
Small businesses get a piece of the ballpark action
FBI investigating shooter's past
His projects help out diverse groups
Hundreds recall teen killed in crash
Interviews teach youth about 1960s
Peace center counsels teachers, students
Tristate A.M. Report
Tristate events to remember Martin Luther King
BRONSON: Weird play
CROWLEY: State lawmakers trade jabs on bipartisanship
HOWARD: Some Good News
PULFER: American story
Getting view of Islam from the inside
Trustee stirs up Butler politics
Three dead in separate shootings in Dayton
River town once 'Atlantic City of Midwest'
Seat belt law iffy
Trial in UK student's '94 slaying postponed