Laredo man admits to robbing bank which led to dangerous pursuit

LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old resident of Laredo has pleaded guilty to robbing Falcon International Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

On June 10, 2024, Adrian Hernandez entered the location at 212 Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo. He approached the counter and passed a note to the bank teller which read – “this is a bank robbery, give me all the money.” 

Hernandez had a gray shirt wrapped around his hand to conceal, or appear to conceal, a weapon. The teller activated the silent alarm and placed the money that was in her teller drawer, including bait money, into a brown paper bag and handed it to Hernandez. He then left the bank, got into his car and sped away. 

Authorities later observed a car matching the description of Hernandez’s vehicle parked at a motel. They attempted a felony stop but Hernandez evaded, and a chase ensued. Eventually, Hernandez collided with a chain link fence in the vicinity of Salinas Avenue. 

At the time of his arrest, he was wearing the same clothing as viewed in the security footage from the Falcon International Bank. 

Law enforcement also found a large amount of cash in the car as well as a yellow note and blue marker. 

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. 

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Makens is prosecuting the case.