Detailed Description Leads to an Arrest
The Santa Cruz Police Department arrested a bank robbery suspect who had a long history with them. They arrested 31-year-old Santa Cruz Area transient Michael Antonio Holt for the bank robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank on River Street in Santa Cruz on Wednesday afternoon.
The Wells Fargo Bank at River Street.
On Wednesday, July 8 at around 12:30 pm, Santa Cruz Police responded to an armed robbery alarm that occurred in the Wells Fargo Bank at 74 River Street in Santa Cruz. Holt had walked into the bank and threatened the bank employees by using movements that simulated having a gun under his shirt.
A bank teller turned over some cash to Holt and he exited the bank, and then fled on foot. The teller was able to give the strong description to the police and the direction of Holt’s travel. He was described as being African American male wearing a red sweatshirt with the hood over his head. He also had a black backpack with him.
No one was injured during the robbery. Officers responded and quickly set up a perimeter around the area of River Street.
Several officers located Holt hiding under the bridge near the San Lorenzo River. He was found to be in possession with the exact amount of money that was taken in the robbery. He was also identified by witnesses, and police have obtained video surveillance footage of the robbery.
After he was cornered, Holt surrendered to police without further incident and was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on bank robbery charges. His bail has been set at 50,000.00 dollars. According to the Santa Cruz Police, Holt has a long history with them. His most recent arrests involve charges of tampering with a vehicle, and several arrests this year and last on outstanding bench warrants.
The earliest available history goes back to 2007, when he was already on parole. He was then charged with keeping a place for the use of illegal drugs. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia in 2007, and possession of a controlled substance and concentrated marijuana in 2009. He was found in possession of ammunition as a prohibited felon in 2010, and for trespassing on closed lands in April 2013. In May of that year he was arrested for stealing a shopping cart, disturbing the peace by fighting, and public intoxication. During that time period he was also charged at least eight times for felony parole violations.
