SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI – Police in Saginaw Township turned to an unexpected tool during a tense bank hostage situation Friday, delivering a soda by drone in a bid to end the standoff peacefully.

Authorities say a 31-year-old man, later identified as Quinton Marquese Allen, entered Mercantile Bank shortly after 5 p.m., attempting to cash a check after business hours. An employee who remained inside told Allen she couldn’t process the check, reportedly discovering it was fraudulent. According to police, Allen responded by assaulting her and demanding cash.

Police and Michigan State troopers arrived quickly, surrounding the bank. The suspect, who authorities say was armed but did not have a gun, barricaded himself inside with the employee. The standoff drew crowds as SWAT vehicles and officers with rifles closed off nearby streets.

Negotiators made contact with Allen as the hours ticked by. At one point, Allen requested a specific beverage — a red Faygo soda — as part of his demands. To facilitate the request, police dispatched a drone carrying the drink in a bag to a window where the suspect could retrieve it.

When Allen approached the window to collect the soda, officers were able to visually confirm his position inside the building. In the moments that followed, a Michigan State Police trooper fired a shot, killing Allen and ending the standoff.

The bank employee, who has not been identified, was able to leave the building safely after the incident and was transported to a hospital for evaluation. She was later released and is recovering at home.

Witnesses described a heavy police presence as authorities worked to maintain a secure perimeter around the bank and manage onlookers. The incident lasted about four hours from the time the suspect entered the bank until officers intervened.

Mercantile Bank issued a statement late Friday, thanking first responders for their efforts and confirming that all employees were safe. The branch has been closed indefinitely in the aftermath of the event.

Police have not disclosed the exact nature of the weapon carried by Allen, but confirmed it was not a firearm. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.