By Pat Culverhouse
A 26-year-old Minden man is charged with first degree robbery after he allegedly stole money from an individual he had driven to a local bank where the victim made a cash withdrawal.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Brandon Smith, who listed an address in the 100 block of Robertson Dr., was arrested Tuesday by Sheriff’s Office investigators for the robbery which occurred last week.
Smith reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his bond has been set at $30,000.
Parker said Deputy Michael Dickey reportedly made initial contact with the victim who stated he had been robbed. The victim said he received a ride to the bank from a male he only knew as “Duke.”
After reportedly making a withdrawal of approximately $680 from his account, the victim said “Duke” and he were supposed to be going to a store. Instead, they drove to a gravel lot on Allen Dr.
Once at the lot, the victim said “Duke” stepped out of the vehicle and asked him to hold the brakes while he checked what he claimed to be a mechanical issue. According to the victim, “Duke” returned to the vehicle and ordered that he give him the money or he would be killed.
Deputy Dickey learned that when he threatened the victim, “Duke” allegedly held his hand on his waist as if he were armed. Fearing for his life, the victim reportedly handed over the money and the robber left the scene. The victim went to a nearby business and reported the robbery.
Deputy Dickey obtained video surveillance footage of the two men at the bank as well as footage of the silver Chevy Tahoe “Duke” was driving.
Major Bobby Igo III, head of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, said through investigative techniques and the assistance of the Minden P.D., “Duke” was identified as Brandon Smith.
With the evidence gathered, an arrest warrant for first degree robbery was obtained for Smith. On Monday, Sgt. Josh McCormick, Lt. Chase Wimberly, and Det. Ben Allen spotted Smith’s Tahoe driving on Main St. in Minden.
A felony traffic stop was conducted and Smith was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office to be interviewed and advised of his rights per Miranda.
Smith reportedly admitted to giving the victim a ride to the bank but denied the robbery. Investigators found inconsistencies in Smith’s story, specifically involving the events that surrounded the alleged robbery.
“The collaboration between patrol deputies and investigators brought closure to this case. Working as a team we were able to quickly identify the suspect and a warrant was obtained,” Major Bobby Igo said.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.