Saginaw Township Police officers outside of the Mercantile Bank in Saginaw Township, Michigan, during a hostage situation (WJRT)
Authorities used an unconventional tactic to draw a suspect out during a hostage standoff at a Michigan bank last week.
A 31-year-old man named Quinton Marquese Allen entered Mercantile Bank in Saganaw Township, Michigan, around 5 p.m. on Friday and held an employee hostage, prompting a large response from authorities. According to Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter, Allen had assaulted the unnamed victim and possessed a weapon, though it wasn’t a firearm.
As local police departments and the Michigan State Police arrived with SWAT-like vehicles and assault rifles, authorities hatched a new plan.
Vetter told local outlet WNEM that law enforcement used a drone to lower a red Faygo soda in a bag near the window where Allen was in the bank.
Allen had requested the drink while negotiating with law enforcement, MLive reported.
Allen moved within view of authorities, allowing them to see him through the building’s glass. At that moment, a state police trooper responded by shooting and killing Allen, effectively ending the threat.
Following the suspect’s shooting, the victim was able to leave the bank and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation before being discharged later that evening. The ordeal, which unfolded over approximately four hours, was documented by local video footage showing police blocking the surrounding areas as onlookers watched the events unfold.
When Allen entered the bank earlier in the evening, wishing to cash a check, the bank was already closed, according to MLive. However, at least one employee was still inside, and when this employee told Allen she could not cash his check — because it was fraudulent – he “attacked her and demanded money,” Vetter is paraphrased as saying.
Mercantile Bank released a statement later that night, thanking authorities and announcing the branch would be closed indefinitely.
“This evening, an incident occurred at our Saginaw, MI location involving a hostage situation,” the bank wrote on social media. “Thanks to the swift and professional response of local and state law enforcement, the situation was resolved. All Mercantile Bank employees are safe, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
