Balch Springs, Texas – A man accused of shooting an armored car driver during an attempted robbery outside a Chase Bank in Balch Springs has been arrested in Fort Worth and charged with a federal crime, according to U.S. prosecutors. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene after opening fire on the guard when he was unable to access cash inside an ATM.
Federal officials identified the suspect as Laroyce Antoine Lambert, who now faces a serious federal charge that could carry a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred outside a Chase Bank on Lake June Road in Balch Springs, where an armored car security guard was servicing an ATM. According to court documents, the suspect approached the guard while brandishing a firearm and demanded access to the money inside the ATM.
Officials said the guard told the suspect he could not open the machine or access the cash. At that point, the suspect allegedly fired three shots, striking the guard before fleeing the scene.
The injured guard was transported to a hospital, where he received treatment for his wounds. Authorities have not released details about his current condition but confirmed he survived the attack.
Timeline of Events
Investigators say the attempted robbery unfolded quickly. Surveillance footage and a body-worn camera used by the armored car guard captured critical moments of the encounter.
According to federal prosecutors, the footage shows Lambert pointing a firearm directly at the guard during the confrontation. After the shooting, the suspect fled the area in a Dodge Charger, prompting an immediate search by law enforcement agencies.
Details From Federal and Local Authorities
The Balch Springs Police Department obtained video evidence showing the suspect leaving the area in the Charger. That information was then shared with federal authorities, triggering a multi-agency effort to locate the suspect.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked alongside the Dallas Police Department and the Fort Worth Police Department to track the vehicle and identify the suspect’s location. The investigation ultimately led authorities to an apartment complex in Fort Worth, where Lambert was taken into custody without incident.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Texas and detailed further in federal court filings, Lambert has been charged with one count of attempted interference of commerce by robbery, a federal offense.
Key Facts in the Case
• Suspect: Laroyce Antoine Lambert
• Location of shooting: Chase Bank, Lake June Road, Balch Springs
• Victim: Armored car security guard
• Shots fired: Three
• Escape vehicle: Dodge Charger
• Arrest location: Fort Worth, Texas
• Charge: Attempted interference of commerce by robbery
• Potential sentence: Up to 20 years in federal prison
Federal Prosecutor’s Statement
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized the speed and coordination involved in the arrest, crediting joint efforts between federal and local agencies.
“The swift apprehension of this individual is a testament to the tireless work and collaboration of our federal, state, and local partners,” Raybould said.
“The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and our local partners identified the perpetrator within hours of the horrific shooting.”
He added that the arrest should serve as a warning to others considering violent crimes in the region.
“This should serve as a warning to violent offenders in North Texas: we will find you and swiftly bring you to justice.”
Additional Context on Armored Car Robberies
Robberies involving armored vehicles are treated as federal matters because they affect interstate commerce and often involve financial institutions. These crimes are considered especially dangerous due to the presence of firearms and the high risk posed to security personnel and the public.
Federal law enforcement officials routinely pursue severe penalties in such cases, particularly when violence is used. According to legal experts, convictions for attempted interference of commerce by robbery frequently result in long prison sentences, even when no money is taken.
Public Safety Considerations
Authorities stress that incidents like this highlight the risks faced daily by armored car guards and other security workers. Law enforcement encourages the public to report suspicious activity near banks or ATMs immediately and to avoid approaching any armed individuals.
Conclusion
The arrest of Laroyce Antoine Lambert brings a key development in the investigation of a violent attempted robbery that left an armored car guard injured in Balch Springs. Federal prosecutors say the case demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
As the legal process moves forward, authorities continue to emphasize accountability and public safety. If convicted, Lambert faces significant federal prison time for the alleged offense.
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