In a gripping incident in December 2010, a 46-year-old ex-convict’s attempt to execute one final bank robbery before retiring from a life of crime was thwarted by the quick thinking of a bank teller and the prompt response of law enforcement.
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Scott Edward Nelson, who had only been released from prison a few days prior, entered the Wachovia Bank in Volusia County, armed with a note claiming he had a taser, a bomb, and a .45 caliber handgun. Threatening to detonate the bomb, he demanded money from the vault, setting off a tense situation.
An alert bank teller managed to dial 9-1-1 discreetly from the kitchen, providing crucial information to the authorities. The dispatcher gathered details about Nelson’s appearance, his location within the bank, and the potential threat he posed. As the situation unfolded, the bank teller continued to relay information, aiding the responding officers.
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Nelson, attempting to escape with a bag of stolen cash and a stun gun, was apprehended by police as he exited the bank. His elaborate plan, involving disguises and a carefully orchestrated exit strategy, crumbled in the face of law enforcement’s swift action.
During his subsequent confession, Nelson revealed his intention to retire from a life of crime, detailing the makeshift bomb he had constructed using items found in a wooded area where he had been living. His arrest foiled his grand plan to change clothes, adopt a new disguise, and hire a limousine for a clean getaway.
Scott Edward Nelson pleaded guilty to armed robbery of a bank and planting a hoax bomb, facing a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. The incident serves as a testament to the vigilance of the bank staff and the effectiveness of law enforcement in ensuring public safety.