Deming, NM (KKOB) – A Las Cruces man is facing a federal charge after an attempted bank robbery in Deming. Investigators say 41-year-old Zachary Clay walked into the 1st New Mexico Bank around 9 a.m. Thursday wearing a red hoodie and a hatchet visible at his waist. According to an FBI affidavit, Clay handed the teller a note demanding large bills and not to trip the alarm. Employees stalled him, with one pretending to head toward the vault and another telling him to wait.
Clay then moved to a bank officer’s office but left when he heard police sirens. Luna County Sheriff’s deputies arrested him outside of the bank.
Clay allegedly admitted he needed money to repay a debt. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
