4th man arrested in connection to AmBank robberies


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PROVO — A fourth man was arrested Tuesday in connection to one of two bank robberies, police said.

Police arrested 42-year-old Waldo Ariel Fernandez, who police believe was the "getaway driver" during the June 17 bank robbery, according to the Provo Police Department's Facebook page.

Braydon Madsen, 19, Luis Vera, 20, and Nicholas Vera, 19, were arrested in connection to two AmBank robberies at about 5 p.m. Monday by Provo police detectives. During both of the robberies the men allegedly wore suits, ties and fake beards, according to investigators.

Employees at the first robbery, which occurred at the AmBank in Lindon on May 2, were sprayed with pepper spray and hit with stun guns, according to Lindon police. The second robbery took place at the AmBank in Provo on June 17.

"These individuals were dressed in suits and disguises. These individuals displayed a firearm, Taser, and pepper spray. These individuals forced all employees to the ground," a police affidavit describing both robberies states. "The suspects then took money from the bank by force and fear."

Provo Police Lt. Mathew Siufanua called the alleged robbers "pretty brazen" and "pretty violent" in their "desire for easy money."

The break for detectives came when they received a "tip from an individual who heard somebody bragging" about the robberies, Siufanua said. That tip, he said, broke the case open and is a great example of why any little tidbit of information from the public helps.

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"You never know when small pieces will open multiple doors to solve a crime," the lieutenant said.

Detectives keeping watch on the Veras' house spotted the two getting into their vehicle on Monday. They pulled the men over a short distance later and arrested them.

A $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers was offered by the banks after both robberies. Provo police said they worked in conjunction with the FBI, Orem Police Department and Lindon Police Department to make the arrests.

Search warrants were served on the suspects' vehicle and their homes, where items connected to the robberies were located, according to the affidavit.

Nicholas and Luis Vera, who are brothers, were arrested on suspicion of two counts of aggravated robbery and booked into the Utah County Jail. Provo police said they are in the U.S. illegally and an immigration hold has been placed on them. They are from Argentina, according to jail documents,

Madsen was arrested on suspicion of one count of aggravated robbery and booked into the Orem Jail, police said.

Although investigators didn't know Tuesday whether the trio could be tied to any other recent robberies, Siufanua said the case is considered an active investigation and anyone with information about the men is encouraged to call police at 801-852-7400.

Contributing: Sandra Yi, Nkoyo Iyamba, Pat Reavy, Shara Park, Amanda Taylor

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