A San Diego man has 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.
Son 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 connected to wires. Nguyen pulled on the wires, causing the device’s electrical components to catch fire and ultimately destroy the machine.
The ATM emitted smoke for more than half an hour. At about 3:23 a.m., police responded to a burglary alarm at the bank. Officers arriving at the scene saw smoke coming from the ATM and its electrical parts burning. They found electrical wires protruding from the machine, a bent U-shaped metal rod attached, and blue material with a white and black valve near the site.
Nguyen left before authorities arrived but was later identified through surveillance footage that captured his vehicle’s license plate number.
According to federal investigators, search warrants were executed on August 23, 2024, at Nguyen’s home and car. They recovered equipment similar to what was used in the ATM bombing, including a U-shaped rod, a welded metal plate on a pole, clothing items such as a balaclava and beanie, chemicals used for making explosives like black powder and potassium nitrate sulfur, instructions for producing black powder, and a firearm. In his car they found additional related items including a black hose, neck gaiter, and California license plate matching one seen in surveillance images.
Nguyen is charged with malicious use of fire and explosive materials to damage property under Title 18 of U.S.C., Section 844(i). The charge carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Shital Thakkar are prosecuting this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.
Authorities remind that charges contained in an indictment or complaint are accusations until proven otherwise in court.
