South Texas man arrested after attempting to purchase firearm with stolen bank heist funds

LAREDO, Texas - A 42-year-old resident of Laredo is in custody for allegedly committing bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Arturo Limon III has made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga. Originally arrested on related state charges, authorities have now transferred him to federal custody.

The criminal complaint, filed April 29, alleges Limon entered Falcon International Bank located at 10511 McPherson Road April 27. He allegedly approached the bank tellers, handed them an empty camouflage backpack and demanded they put money in it. The charges allege that during the robbery he said, “yes this is happening.”  

Limon allegedly stole a large amount of cash from the teller’s drawer, exited through the main lobby entrance and drove away in blue Ford Mustang.

Authorities responded, reviewed bank surveillance footage and issued a “be on the lookout” for an individual matching Limon’s description, according to the complaint.

He allegedly entered the Arena Gun Club shortly after the robbery with a green camouflage backpack and attempted to purchase a firearm by handing the employee a large amount of cash. The charges allege he left the club while employees conducted the mandatory background checks. They alerted law enforcement due to his suspicious behavior, according to the complaint.

Authorities allegedly arrested Limon at his residence as he arrived driving a blue Mustang. At that time, they found marked currency in his vehicle and a green camouflage backpack, according to the charges.  

If convicted, Limon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Makens is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.