Chula Vista Man Arrested for Robbing Two San Diego Banks in One Day
| FBI San Diego December 09, 2009 |
The FBI and San Diego Police Department announce the arrest of Michael Serrano, age 43, of Chula Vista, California, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. Serrano was arrested in connection with two bank robberies that occurred on Monday, December 7, 2009.
On Monday, December 7, 2009, the Bank of America, 1775 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, California, and the Chase Bank, 6116 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, California, were robbed by an unknown male at approximately 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., respectively. On this same date, bank surveillance photographs of the Bank of America bank robber were disseminated to San Diego media outlets which led to the identification of Serrano as the person responsible for robbing both banks.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Serrano was arrested at his Chula Vista, California, residence without incident by San Diego Police Department Detectives and FBI Agents.
On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, a complaint was filed with the U.S District Court, Southern District of California, San Diego, California, charging Serrano with two counts of violating Title 18, U.S.C, Section 2113(a), bank robbery. The complaint charges Serrano with the December 7, 2009, robberies of the Bank of America, 1775 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, California and the Chase Bank, 6116 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, California
The complaint alleges that on Monday, December 7, 2009, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Serrano entered the Bank of America and presented a demand note for cash to one of the bank employees. The demand note stated, “Be quiet. Give me all of your money.” After receiving a sum of money, Serrano walked out of the bank, entered his car and left the area.
Later that same day at approximately 6:00 p.m., Serrano entered the Chase Bank, 6116 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, California. Serrano presented a demand note for cash to one of the bank employees. The demand note stated, “Give me $2,000 in an envelope.” After receiving a sum of money, Serrano walked out of the bank, entered his car and left the area.
On Monday, December 7, 2009, bank surveillance photographs of the Bank of America robbery were disseminated to San Diego media outlets. On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, law enforcement received information that Michael Serrano was the individual depicted in the bank surveillance photographs. Subsequent investigation by the FBI and San Diego Police Department resulted in Serrano’s arrest on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.
Serrano is expected to have his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Thursday, December 9, 2009. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information concerning these robberies is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255.
An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.