Man Arrested for Attempted ATM Thefts Using Explosives in San Diego

A California man faces charges after allegedly using explosives in unsuccessful attempts to steal cash from two ATMs in San Diego.

A 44-year-old San Diego man, identified as Son Nguyen, has been arrested and charged with two counts of damaging property for his alleged involvement in two separate incidents where he used explosives in unsuccessful attempts to steal cash from ATMs.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, Nguyen targeted an ATM outside California Coast Credit Union on Governor Drive in San Diego on June 8. Surveillance footage captured Nguyen exiting his car and approaching the ATM with a five-gallon blue plastic container with a white spout. He then inserted a black polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic hose into the machine, triggering an explosion inside the device.

Man Arrested for Attempted ATM Thefts Using Explosives in San Diego

Despite his efforts, Nguyen failed to retrieve any money from the ATM and fled the scene. Responding police officers discovered a white PVC pipe connected to a black PVC pipe with two batteries taped to it, along with pieces of a blue balloon and another plastic pipe.

On June 28, Nguyen allegedly targeted another ATM in Rancho Bernardo outside a First Citizens Bank branch. Repeating the same modus operandi, he used explosives to cause an electrical fire and smoke to emanate from the ATM. However, he was again unsuccessful in his attempt to steal cash from the machine.

Man Arrested for Attempted ATM Thefts Using Explosives in San Diego

Surveillance footage proved crucial in identifying Nguyen and his car. Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at his residence, where they discovered various materials consistent with the explosive devices used in the ATM attempts. These included gas, black powder, potassium nitrate sulfur, explosive pre-cursor chemicals, and instructions on how to make black powder.

The investigation also revealed that Nguyen was in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized the potential harm that could have resulted from Nguyen's actions.

Man Arrested for Attempted ATM Thefts Using Explosives in San Diego

"Fortunately, neither of these incidents resulted in injury or successful theft of cash," McGrath said in a statement. "With the discovery of chemicals and equipment in the search today, future attempts were also thwarted."

Nguyen is currently facing two counts of damaging property. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incidents.