KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a dramatic turn of events, Bryan C. Byers, 23, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison without parole for attempting a robbery at an Independence restaurant using a fake gun. The incident, which turned violent when employees fought back, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Byers pleaded guilty on July 13, 2022, to one count of robbery. On February 21, 2022, he approached two employees at Lucky Buffet, armed with what appeared to be a Glock handgun, only to be disarmed by their bravery and resolve. The apparent gun was later found to have an actual Glock upper portion but a non-firing airsoft lower.
Employees told officers they feared for their lives as Byers demanded cash from the register, threatening violence. One employee grabbed the fake weapon during the confrontation, leading to a struggle. During the scuffle, restaurant staff used food trays and chairs as weapons, helping to subdue Byers until police arrived. Byers was found on the floor of the restaurant with approximately $873 scattered around him.
Upon his arrest, Byers was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Barnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Independence Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This incident is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime through community engagement and strategic enforcement efforts. PSN partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to create lasting reductions in crime rates.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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