A father and son have now been charged in a Monday afternoon bank robbery in the Town of Tonawanda that put nearby schools on temporary lockout before the suspects were taken into custody.
Fletcher Elementary, Middle and High Schools were put into lockout around noon when a nearby Key Bank branch on Delaware Avenue was robbed. The lockout was lifted around a half hour later when the two suspects were apprehended.
Police say a 19-year-old Brandon Loyd walked alone into the bank while wearing a respirator mask and armed with a handgun. He demanded cash. When he got what he wanted, he left. A witness saw him get into a waiting car, which police say was driven by Brandon's father, 44-year-old Duane Loyd. The driver took off north into the City of Tonawanda.
City of Tonawanda Police spotted the vehicle and their officers pursued the suspects down River Road into Buffalo, where they crashed their vehicle at Noris and Race streets.
This picture comes from Daniel Dryndas, who says he saw the end of the chase when it happened outside his workplace while he was on lunch break:
The father and son allegedly went off running in different directions with City of Tonawanda and Buffalo police officers hot on their heels. One department captured one suspect while the other captured the second suspect. Also located: the gun, cash and the respirator mask.
Brandon and Duane are both charged 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.
One City of Tonawanda Police vehicle was damaged and an officer suffered an ankle injury during the chase.
Stay in Touch Anywhere, Anytime with News, Weather and Video -- Download the WKBW app:
Or Sign Up for Our Newsletters -- Delivered to Your E-mail:
