NBC 7’s Jackie Crea reports from the North Park bank where the robbery suspect committed his first alleged crime.
Police say a bank robbery suspect who said he had a bomb in his car ditched his getaway vehicle on Interstate 5 near Palomar Street causing authorities to close traffic completely while they investigated the vehicle.
The alleged bank robbery happened just after 4:45 p.m. at a U.S Bank branch at 3201 University Avenue in North Park, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Police said Gustavo Torres, 32 of San Diego, presented a note demanding cash and mentioned he had a bomb in his car before he fled in a vehicle.
Torres led police on a pursuit on southbound I-5 until he stopped his car in the middle of the freeway and ran on foot, police said.
All southbound traffic was stopped and a wide perimeter was set around the suspect's vehicle, a black SUV, while police waited for a bomb squad team to arrive. All southbound traffic was being diverted to Palomar Street.
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SDPD confirmed at around 6 p.m. that no bomb was found in the SUV, and that an arrest had been made in relation to the alleged robbery. Torres was arrested along I-5 near Palomar Street, SDPD said.
Torres was booked on felony robbery and firearm possession charges and felony probation violation.
Chula Vista police officers moved the SUV off of the freeway and onto W. Frontage Road.
Police activity has also been reported at an Arco gas station at 3772 Main Street in National City where police say the suspect may have dumped clothing.
No other information was available.
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