Bank Robbery and in Quick Order Suspect Arrested

On July 8, 2015, at approximately 12:30 PM, Santa Cruz Police responded to a report of a robbery at Wells Fargo Bank at 74 River Street.

The suspect walked into the bank and threatened a bank employee by simulating a handgun under his shirt. The suspect robber confronted the bank employee and demanded cash. The bank teller turned over the cash to the suspect. The bank robber, described as an African American male wearing a red sweatshirt and black backpack, then fled on foot.

The bank teller was able to provide a strong detailed description of the suspect and the direction in which the suspect fled. No one was injured in the robbery.

Several officers responded and quickly established a perimeter. The officers located the suspect hiding under a bridge near the San Lorenzo River.

The bank robber was identified as Michael Holt, 31 year old, Santa Cruz area transient. Mr. Holt was found in possession of the exact amount of cash taken during the robbery. Additionally, Mr. Holt was identified as the robber by witnesses. Detectives also obtained bank video capturing the robbery.

Michael Holt surrendered without incident and was booked into jail for the bank robbery. Mr. Holt has a history of arrest with the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Help Us Catch This Bank Robbery Suspect

On May 28, 2013, the lone suspect pictured below entered the Bank of the West at 1551 Pacific Ave and demanded cash from the teller.  The suspect also threatened the teller, as well as demanding he not be given any bills with a dye-pack, or GPS device.  

The teller handed over the cash to the suspect.  He walked out of the bank through the doors on the Pacific Avenue side and then fled southbound on Pacific Avenue.  There were 2 additional customers inside the bank at the time as well as additional bank staff.  No one was injured in the robbery.  No weapon was actually seen. 

Here are a few portraits of our suspect in the act...

If you're Mr. Robber and you're looking at these photos....you might consider the unconditional full surrender option, as it is likely we'll have you identified pretty quickly. 

 

In addition to these great photos, here is a further description.  

White Male Adult 20-25 YRS

Approximately 5 feet 7 inches, 160 pounds

Brown Hair

Pock-marked Complexion

Scruffy Facial Hair

Wearing:

Grey Chicago White Sox Baseball Hat

Black Sunglasses

Black Hoodie with “Santa Cruz” skateboards logo

Blue Jeans

Black Shoes

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820.  If you recognize the suspect, please call 9-1-1 to report this information.