Police arrest man in New Year’s Eve bank robbery and fake bomb threat in Turlock
A 45-year-old man was arrested Thursday in connection with the New Year’s Eve bank robbery and fake bomb threat in Turlock.
The arrest occurred around 2:30 p.m. during a surveillance operation conducted just outside the Turlock city limits.
Turlock Police Detectives identified a white Lexus that matched the description of the vehicle used in the crime. During a traffic stop, they gathered additional evidence linking the driver, Benjamin Charles Malakismail, to the robbery. Malakismail was arrested and charged with robbery and making a false report of an explosive device.
Authorities confirmed that Malakismail allegedly acted alone, and no other suspects are being sought at this time. The Turlock Police Department credited the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and a citizen witness for providing key information that helped identify the suspect’s vehicle.
The bank robbery took place at the US Bank located at 427 E. Olive Avenue. Malakismail allegedly told a bank employee that his briefcase contained a bomb and threatened to detonate it.
After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the briefcase inside the bank and fled in a white Lexus before police arrived, according to the Turlock Police Department. The Stanislaus County Bomb Squad later determined that the briefcase did not contain any explosives. No injuries were reported during the incident.
“Crimes like this have no place in our community and will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and businesses, and we will use every available resource to locate, apprehend, and hold accountable those who commit these serious offenses,” stated Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden in a press release.
The Turlock Police Department encourages anyone with additional information to contact Detective Matthew Ulrich at 209-668-6570. Tips can also be submitted via the department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 ext. 6780 or emailed to tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 10:21 AM.
