Man Arrested for Explosive ATM Robbery Attempts

A 44-year-old man from Mira Mesa, identified as Son Thanh Nguyen, was arrested on Friday after allegedly attempting to use explosives to rob ATMs in University City and Rancho Bernardo. Surveillance footage captured Nguyen's attempts, which involved using a five-gallon plastic container and a PVC hose to trigger small explosions at the ATMs on June 8 and June 28, though both attempts were unsuccessful. Federal agents tracked Nguyen using vehicle registration data and facial features. A search of his home uncovered chemicals, equipment for constructing explosive devices, and clothes matching those worn during the attempts. Nguyen faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on all charges. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday.