A San Diego resident, Son Nguyen, pleaded guilty in federal court to using explosives to destroy an ATM at a First Citizens Bank branch in Rancho Bernardo during the summer of 2024.
Nguyen admitted that on June 28, 2024, he drove to the bank’s ATM and inserted a metal rod into the cash dispenser slot. He then replaced it with another device attached to wires. When Nguyen pulled the wires, the device ignited and caused the ATM’s electrical components to catch fire. The machine was destroyed.
Smoke from the ATM lasted for more than half an hour. At around 3:23 a.m., San Diego Police responded to a burglary alarm at the bank and found smoke coming from the damaged machine. Officers also observed electrical wires sticking out of the ATM with a bent metal rod attached, as well as blue material with a white and black valve nearby.
Nguyen left before police arrived, but investigators identified him through surveillance footage that captured his vehicle’s license plate number.
On August 23, 2024, federal agents executed search warrants at Nguyen’s home and car. They recovered items including a U-shaped rod, metal plate welded onto a pole, balaclava, beanie, gas canisters, black powder, potassium nitrate sulfur, chemicals used for making explosives, instructions for making black powder and a firearm. In his car they found a black hose, neck gaiter and California license plate matching one seen during the incident. Investigators said these items were consistent with those used in the ATM bombing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Shital Thakkar are prosecuting this case.
Nguyen faces charges of malicious use of fire and explosive materials to damage property under Title 18 U.S.C., Section 844(i), which carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.
“The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
