Executive Summary
- Byron Watson, 36, was arrested by the FBI in New Orleans on Wednesday, November 12.
- The arrest is in connection with the November 9 robbery of a Fidelity Bank in Slidell, Louisiana.
- Watson surrendered to authorities after reportedly barricading himself inside a home.
- Officials stated that Watson was on federal probation for a prior bank robbery conviction at the time of his arrest.
NEW ORLEANS – Federal agents on Wednesday arrested a suspect in connection with the November 9 robbery of a Fidelity Bank in Slidell, Louisiana. The Federal Bureau of Investigation took Byron Watson, 36, into custody in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans following a brief standoff.
According to officials with the Slidell Police Department, Watson reportedly barricaded himself inside a residence on Hollygrove Street before surrendering to law enforcement officers shortly thereafter. The arrest occurred on November 12, three days after the bank was robbed.
Slidell Interim Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau stated that Watson was already on federal probation at the time of the incident. “It just so happens he was on a 20-year probation with the feds for bank robbery, so this is not his first rodeo,” Seuzeneau said. The chief noted that it remains undetermined whether Watson will face state or federal charges for the recent robbery.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the amount of money stolen during the robbery. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.