A bank robber who absconded with an undisclosed amount of cash after claiming he had the ability to detonate a bomb in his briefcase has been apprehended, the Turlock Police Department reported.
The briefcase was left at the bank and after four and a half hours it was “determined the briefcase did not contain an explosive device,” said Turlock Police Sgt. Paul Inderbitzen.
The suspect has been identified as Benjamin Charles Malakismail, a 45-year-old resident of Stanislaus County. He was arrested without incident on Thursday.
The robbery was reported at 1:38 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the US Bank at 427 E. Olive Ave.
A caller told the Turlock Police Dispatch that a man entered the bank with a briefcase and told a bank employee that there was an explosive device inside the briefcase and that he would detonate it if he was not given cash.
The suspect’s demand was met and he left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. He also left the briefcase behind.
“Due to the potential of an explosive device in the building, the bank and surrounding area was evacuated,” Inderbitzen said. “The Stanislaus County Bomb Squad was requested and responded to the scene to investigate the device.”
Around 6 p.m. the scene was cleared by the bomb squad and turned over to Turlock Police detectives. No injuries were reported as a result of this event.
Witnesses were able to provide detectives with a detailed description of the white Lexus the suspect was seen driving away from the robbery. This led detectives to an area outside of city limits that they put under surveillance, Inderbitzen said.
Around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, detectives spotted the vehicle and made a traffic stop.
“Further information was discovered that linked the driver to the robbery,” Inderbitzen said.
Malakismail was charged with robbery and making a false report of an explosive device. Detectives believe he acted alone and there are no other subjects wanted at this time.
“Crimes like this have no place in our community and will not be tolerated,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Heddon. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and businesses, and we will use every available resource to locate, apprehend, and hold accountable those who commit these serious offenses. Our officers are dedicated to protecting this city, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”
“The Turlock Police Department would like to thank the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation, and the citizen witness who provided vital information which allowed Detectives to identify the suspect vehicle used in this crime,” Inderbitzen said in a news release.
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information call Detective Matthew Ulrich at (209) 668-6570. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
