Attorney Questions Competency of Alleged Wells Fargo Bank Robber

A 52-year-old man who allegedly robbed the downtown Wells Fargo bank in San Mateo earlier this month with a "detonating device" is not fit to stand trial, his defense attorney told a judge Tuesday.

Gerald Myer, a transient, was arrested Oct. 7 after Burlingame police recognized him and connected him to the Oct. 1 bank robbery, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

Officers responded to reports of a robbery at the bank, located at 100 E. Fourth Ave., at 12:05 p.m. that day.

Witnesses said the suspect, described as a “middle-aged male” about 5 feet 8 inches tall and heavy-set, took an undisclosed amount of cash from the teller utilizing a note and wielding what appeared to be a silver detonating device with a red button.

The suspect was wearing a white T-shirt with a logo on the pocket, and a dark colored ball cap with what appeared to be a blond wig with a ponytail attached, Norris said.

He left the bank through the Fourth Avenue doors and was last seen on foot heading south on San Mateo Drive toward Central Park.

Following the robbery, San Mateo police put information out to the public and Bay Area law enforcement agencies to make them aware of the case, and asked for help in identifying the suspect.

Local police agencies utilize a robust information flyer network, and hold regular virtual and in-person investigation meetings to share information about ongoing cases, Norris said. 

Just before 5 p.m. Monday, Burlingame police were on the scene of a medical call involving an intoxicated female at the Vagabond Inn in Burlingame.

During that incident, Burlingame police recognized a male subject on scene who matched the description in the downtown San Mateo bank robbery, along with some evidence items linking him to the crime -- a hat and wig, Norris said. They identified this subject as Myer, and notified SMPD.

The "detonation device" police believe Myers brandished in the robbery was also seized, and found to be a non-operational replica.

SMPD Detectives were able to match the suspect and evidence up to the Wells Fargo Bank robbery and subsequently arrested Myers. He was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of bank robbery and related charges.

In San Mateo County Superior Court on Tuesday, Myer's defense attorney declared a doubt regarding his client's competency to stand trial.

The court suspended criminal proceedings and continued the case to Oct. 25 before the criminal presiding judge for appointment of two doctors to evaluate the defendant and to set further competency proceedings.

Myer remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.