Woman Arrested After Threatening Bomb During Bank Robbery

On Saturday, May 10, 2008, Iraseima Leyva, age 47, was arrested in connection with the robbery of the Washington Mutual Bank, located at 4415 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, California.

At approximately 10:45am, Leyva is alleged to have entered the Washington Mutual Bank, located at 4415 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, California, for the purpose of robbing the bank. During the robbery Leyva allegedly presented a demand note for cash to a bank teller. Leyva also told the teller she had a bomb in a bag she was carrying. After receiving a sum of money, Leyva left the bank on foot. The bag containing the alleged bomb was left at the bank by Leyva.

The San Diego Fire Department Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) responded and determined the bag did not contain an explosive device. The bag actually contained a shoe box weighted down with automotive parts.

After fleeing the bank witnesses provided information to responding San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Officers. SDPD's helicopter, ABLE, responded to the area and began providing aerial surveillance support to SDPD Patrol Officers on the ground. ABLE's Tactical Flight Officer spotted a woman matching the clothing description of the robber and directed SDPD Patrol Officers on the ground to Leyva's location. Leyva was taken into custody by responding SDPD Patrol Officers. Leyva was subsequently turned over to the custody of San Diego Police Department Robbery Detectives and FBI agents for further investigation. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

It is anticipated that Leyva will be booked into the Las Colinas Detention Facility, 9000 Cottonwood Avenue, Santee, California.

Anyone with additional information concerning this robbery is asked to call the San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit at (619) 531-2299 or the FBI at (858) 565-1255.

An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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