Lower Bail Request Denied for Suspected Wells Fargo Bank Robber

A San Mateo County Superior Court judge has denied a request to lower bail for the man accused of robbing a Wells Fargo bank in downtown San Mateo by displaying what appeared to be a detonation device earlier this month.

Gerald Joseph Myer, 52, remains in custody on $50,000 bail after his defense attorney's request Thursday to lower his bail or allow him to be released on his own recognizance was denied by Judge Lisa Novak.

Myer 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. Oct. 7, 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 Myer brandished in the robbery was also seized, and found to be a non-operational replica.

On Thursday his case was confirmed for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.