A guest walks past the ATM machines at the Thurby event at Churchill Downs for Louisville locals. May 2, 2019 T9i9688 Thurby
San Diego, California – A San Diego man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court, admitting he used an explosive device to destroy a First Citizens Bank ATM in Rancho Bernardo last summer.
According to the plea agreement, Son Nguyen drove to the ATM in the early morning hours of June 28, 2024, and inserted a metal rod into the cash dispenser slot. He then removed the rod and replaced it with another wired device. When Nguyen pulled the attached wires, the device ignited, causing the ATM’s internal electrical components to catch fire. The machine was destroyed.
Smoke poured from the ATM for more than 30 minutes before San Diego police responded to a burglary alarm around 3:23 a.m. Officers arrived to find the machine burning, with electrical wires protruding and a U-shaped metal rod still attached. They also recovered blue material with a white and black valve near the machine.
Nguyen had already left the scene, but investigators identified him through surveillance footage that captured his vehicle and license plate.
Federal agents executed search warrants at Nguyen’s residence and car on August 23, 2024. Inside his home, investigators found a U-shaped rod, a metal plate welded to a pole, a balaclava, a beanie, gasoline, black powder, potassium nitrate sulfur, other explosive precursor chemicals, written instructions on making black powder, and a firearm.
In Nguyen’s vehicle, investigators located a black hose, neck gaiter, and a California license plate matching the number used during the ATM explosion. All of the items were consistent with the device and clothing seen in surveillance video from the attack.
Nguyen now faces federal sentencing at a later date.
