A Chase Bank ATM on the 26900 block of Sierra Highway was reportedly broken into on Saturday at approximately 6:15 p.m., according to Sgt. Guillermo Martinez, watch sergeant for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
Martinez confirmed a suspect attempted a robbery at the bank but employees were able to grapple and subdue the suspect, who was only described as wearing “orange shoes.” Martinez said only minimal information was available at this time because the report on the incident is not yet completed.
Gunshots were said to have been heard, according to Martinez. However, he was unable to confirm if shots were fired. One person, a man, was confirmed to be in custody.
The suspect was later identified as Justin Bloxton, 22, of California City.
Bloxton was transported to a local hospital from the scene at approximately 6:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Command and Control Center.
According to photos taken at the scene, Bloxton, with a head wound, was being transported from the bank. The photos also appear to show a black handgun that was recovered.
A source within the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department — who spoke on condition of anonymity — said Bloxton was taken to Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown L.A. following his release from the hospital.
Bloxton was later released after posting a bail of $100,000, according to Lt. Alex Gilinets, with LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau.
Gilinets said investigators are continuing to look for further evidence to bring him back into custody. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and felon in possesion of a firearm.
Investigators are trying to see if Bloxton was in any way connected to a crime ring that uses similar tactics and is prevelant in the South L.A. County area. A connection has not been made, at this time in the investigation.
Gilinets confirmed Bloxton did not get any of the money.
The LASD source who spoke on background added the modus operandi of ATM robberies has recently involved suspects placing clips, tape, etc., on bills and then inserting them in the ATM to break it. They apparently then wait for a tech specialist to arrive, then rob them.
The source added that during Saturday’s alleged attempted robbery, the technician came with armed security who were able to subdue the suspect.
Gilinets stated that federal investigators were not handling the case and that it was being handled by the LASD Major Crimes unit.
Someone was transported to a local hospital from the scene at approximately 6:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Command and Control Center.
According to photos taken at the scene, a man with a head wound was being transported from the bank. The photos also appear to show a black handgun that was recovered.
The case has reportedly been handed over to federal investigators. A source within the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department with information on the case stated the suspect came from a family of bank robbers and that he was taken to Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown L.A. following his release from the hospital.
The source went on to say modus operandi of ATM robberies has recently involved suspects placing clips, tape, etc., on bills and then inserting them in the ATM to break it. They apparently then wait for a tech specialist to arrive, then rob them.
The source added that during Saturday’s alleged attempted robbery, the technician came with armed security who were able to subdue the suspect.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
