Brothers Face Federal Charges After Credit Union Robbery, Police Shootout

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Two brothers arrested in connection with a shootout with police following a robbery at a NOME Federal Credit Union branch could face more than 25 years in prison if convicted on federal charges. Lionel Howard, 28, and his brother Terrance, 26, appeared in court Aug. 28 for the first time. They have been charged with bank robbery and could face numerous other charges including attempted murder of a police officer and use of assault weapons. Both men have previous arrest records; Terrance Howard completed probation in March after serving three and a half years on an armed robbery conviction. Lionel Howard was previously arrested on a concealed weapon charge and two weeks ago pleaded guilty to a marijuana possession charge. Police said the two men robbed the Bywater branch of NOME FCU on Aug. 27, then crashed their car into a high school building while attempting to elude police. The brothers were arrested after a shootout with authorities. No injuries were reported. Police said the Howards were wearing full body armor and were equipped with several weapons including two AK-47 assault rifles. News reports said the two men were arrested with more than $100,000.