Two Men Arrested Following Robbery of U.S. Bank

The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are announcing the arrests of Christopher James Cuerden, age 26, and Caleb Gene Halcomb, age 20, as a result of the investigation into the robbery of the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Vons grocery store at 3681 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, California, on Friday, October 29, 2010.

On Monday, November 1, 2010, a federal complaint was filed charging both men with the robbery of the US Bank, 3681 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, California, on October 29, 2010. According to the complaint, on Friday, October 29, 2010, at approximately 5:30 p.m. the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Vons grocery store at 3681 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, California was robbed by a lone white male.

At the time of the robbery, it is alleged that Halcomb entered the Vons grocery store for the purpose of verifying the location of the U.S. Bank and checking for the presence of security guard(s) and communicating this information to Cuerden, who was waiting outside in a vehicle. Halcomb exited the Vons and returned to the vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, a second lone white male, later identified as Cuerden, was observed entering the Vons. Cuerden allegedly approached the victim teller and produced a demand note for cash. The victim teller complied and provided Cuerden with less than $1,000.

Cuerden was observed exiting the bank and running towards a vehicle occupied by Halcomb. Upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle fled the parking lot area. A short time later, Deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department conducted a vehicle stop and detained both men. A bag inside of the car was found to contain the exact amount of U.S. currency taken during the robbery. Cuerden was subsequently identified as the individual who robbed the victim teller. Both men were taken into custody for the robbery of the U.S. Bank.

An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendants committed crimes charged. The defendants are presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office