Turlock bank robbery prompts bomb squad response, suspect arrested
TURLOCK — A suspect was arrested after a bank robbery in the city of Turlock prompted a response from a bomb squad on Tuesday, authorities said.
The Turlock Police Department said an individual with a suitcase and backpack entered a US Bank on East Olive Avenue and demanded money.
Investigators said the individual told an employee there was an explosive device inside the suitcase. The individual was then able to leave with an undisclosed amount of money while leaving the suitcase behind.
Due to the nature of the threat, a Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office bomb squad was called in to investigate the suitcase and suspected device.
The scene was eventually deemed clear and safe.
Then on Thursday, police said they located a vehicle matching the description of the one seen leaving the bank. When officers pulled the driver over, they said they found more evidence linking to the robbery.
Police said 45-year-old Chales Malakismail was arrested on charges of robbery and making a false report of an explosive device.
There are no more outstanding suspects.
