Roy man arrested in credit union robbery

Crime • A victim was able to identify suspect despite his disguise, charging documents say.

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The disguise worn by a credit union robber apparently wasn't good enough.

Police allege 71-year-old Finis Ray Byrd robbed an Ogden credit union on April 6 with a long rifle and disguised in a ski mask and hard hat. Byrd was charged Friday in 2nd District Court with aggravated robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

The robbery charge carries a potential sentence of five years to life in prison; the weapons charge, one to 15 years.

Police say Byrd entered Wasatch Peaks Credit Union with a rifle and demanded money from the employees.

Even though the robber had masked his appearance, a victim was still able to identify him, according to charging documents. Security camera footage near the credit union also showed Byrd's truck leaving the area immediately after the robbery, the charges add.

Investigators interviewed Byrd later that day, but he denied being near the credit union. He changed his story when he was interviewed again on Thursday, saying he'd gone to Big Jim's Burgers, which is about a block away, the charges add.

Detectives searched his Roy home on Thursday and found a blue overcoat, construction hard hat and more than $2,000 in cash, according to the charges.

A news release from the Ogden Police Department adds that they also found three firearms that Byrd, a convicted felon, is not allowed to have.

In 1997, Byrd pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a child.

mmcfall@sltrib.com

Twitter: @mikeypanda