Bryan C. Byers, Armed Robbery, Missouri 2023

A brazen attempt at armed robbery at a Lucky Buffet restaurant in Independence, Missouri, was foiled by two quick-thinking employees who wrestled the suspect and took away his gun, authorities said.

According to the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, Bryan C. Byers, 23, of Kansas City, Missouri, was charged in a three-count criminal complaint with armed robbery, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

The attempted robbery occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on February 21, 2023, at Lucky Buffet, located at 2931 S. Noland Road in Independence, Missouri.

Byers, armed with a Glock handgun, allegedly approached two restaurant employees working near the sushi station and pointed the gun at them, telling them they had five seconds to give him the cash from the cash register or he would kill them.

The employees, not wanting to become victims, opened the register drawer, and Byers began taking money from the register. However, the employees quickly attacked Byers and took the gun from him, restraining him until police arrived.

Byers was arrested and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police officers found approximately $873 scattered on the floor of the restaurant.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Byers was on probation for the felony crimes of armed robbery and stealing a motor vehicle at the time of the alleged offense.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/kc-man-charged-foiled-independence-restaurant-robbery