San Diego Man Pleads Guilty To ATM Break-In Attempt Using Explosives

SAN DIEGO, CA — A San Diego man who used explosives to try to get cash from an ATM outside a Rancho Bernardo bank pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges.

Son Thanh Nguyen, 46, admitted to driving to the ATM outside the First Citizens Bank branch on June 28, 2024, and sticking an explosive device into the machine's cash dispenser slot. The ATM was destroyed in the process, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Surveillance footage from the bank was used to track the license plate of the vehicle Nguyen used.

About two months later, investigators searched Nguyen's home and found chemicals and equipment used to construct the explosive device and clothes consistent with those worn during the attempt, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

During an Aug. 23, 2024, search of Nguyen's home and car, investigators found a U-shaped rod, a metal plate welded onto a pole, a balaclava and a beanie. Investigators also found gas, black powder, potassium nitrate sulfur, explosive pre-cursor chemicals, a paper that explains how to make black powder and a firearm in Nguyen's residence. Investigators found a black hose, neck gaiter and California license plate with the number 24876J1 in his car.

"All of this equipment, license plate and clothing are consistent with what was used during the ATM bombing," the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Nguyen pleaded guilty to a count of malicious use of fire and explosive materials to damage property.