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Press Release

Father And Son Arrested For Tonawanda Bank Robbery

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Brandon Loyd, 19, and his father, Duane Loyd, 44, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bank robbery and related use and possession of a firearm. The bank robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, a maximum of life and a $250,000 fine. Any penalty imposed for the firearm charge would be served consecutive to any prison term imposed for the bank robbery.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank T. Pimentel, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on December 7, 2015, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Brandon Loyd walked into the Key Bank located at 4248 Delaware Avenue in Tonawanda, NY. The defendant put a respirator mask over his face, approached the tellers, and demanded money. As he was demanding money, Loyd displayed a firearm and ordered customers in the bank to raise their hands in the air.

The complaint further states that Loyd subsequently fled the bank with a specific amount of money and entered a vehicle driven by his father, Duane Loyd. A police chase ensued, which resulted in the getaway vehicle and a City of Tonawanda Police vehicle colliding. Both Duane and Brandon Loyd fled on foot but were captured shortly thereafter. Police also recovered a disassembled pistol with a magazine containing 12 rounds of ammunition.

The defendants made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie G. Foschio and are being held in custody pending detention hearings on December 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Jerome C. Uschold, III; the City of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Strassburg; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Updated December 10, 2015