MJP –
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo woman was arrested and charged Monday after being accused of robbing a bank in Cheektowaga, police announced.
Officers were called to M&T Bank at the Thruway Plaza just before 10 a.m. Monday where officials said the woman, identified as 54-year-old Lavita Burnett, approached the counter and allegedly passed a note to the person behind the counter to “hand over cash.”
Authorities said Burnett threatened the person with a weapon, but didn’t show one.
The money handed over to Burnett had a tracker in it, which led police to a market in Buffalo where she was arrested and charged with third-degree robbery.
In a surprising incident that took place in Cheektowaga, a 54-year-old woman from Buffalo was arrested following an alleged bank robbery. The arrest occurred shortly after the reported robbery, with local police apprehending the suspect nearby. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released to the public, is currently facing charges related to the attempted theft.
According to the Cheektowaga Police Department, the incident unfolded at a local bank during regular business hours. Witnesses reported seeing a woman enter the bank and allegedly approach a teller with a note demanding money. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect was armed or threatened the employees, but they confirmed that the woman left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The police received immediate calls from bank staff and were able to respond quickly. Officers patrolled the surrounding area and located the suspect within a short time, leading to her arrest without incident.
The Arrest
Cheektowaga Police Department – https://tocny.org/departments/
The swift response by Cheektowaga police led to the woman’s apprehension just minutes after she allegedly left the bank. Police have not released details regarding the suspect’s motives or any specific circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery. However, authorities have shared that the investigation is ongoing and more information may be available in the coming days.
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The 54-year-old Buffalo resident has been taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including robbery and possibly additional charges based on the outcome of the investigation. She is currently awaiting arraignment, and further proceedings are expected to take place in the coming week.
News of the robbery and subsequent arrest has left the Cheektowaga community both surprised and relieved. Bank robberies are uncommon in the area, making this case particularly notable. Local residents have praised law enforcement for their rapid response, which they feel was crucial to ensuring public safety and preventing any potential escalation.
“I feel safer knowing our police acted quickly,” commented one Cheektowaga resident. “We don’t often hear about things like this happening here, so it’s reassuring to see them on top of it.”
Bank officials have expressed gratitude toward Cheektowaga police and have taken this incident as a reminder to review security protocols. Many banks in New York regularly conduct security drills to train staff on how to handle such situations, ensuring both employee and customer safety.
Though bank robberies have declined over the years due to technological advancements and enhanced security measures, incidents still occur occasionally. Situations like these underscore the importance of maintaining strong security protocols and rapid communication with local law enforcement.
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities gather further evidence and eyewitness accounts to prepare the case. Police are also reviewing surveillance footage from the bank, which may provide additional details on the sequence of events.
While the community awaits more information, this incident serves as a reminder that even in quieter towns, vigilance and prompt action are key to maintaining public safety.
