SAN DIEGO – Chad Lee Engel and Scott Michael Petri were charged yesterday in a five-count indictment for detonating explosive devices at two separate ATMs located in San Diego in an attempt to steal ATM funds.
On July 4, 2017, Engel and Petri detonated a pipe bomb at a California Coast Credit Union branch ATM located on Ruffin Road in San Diego. The ATM was not breached despite the detonation and no funds were taken.
On August 13, 2017, Engel and Petri detonated another explosive device at the ATM machine on the premises of a Chevron gas station on Miramar Road in San Diego. During this event, Engel and Petri drilled a hole in the ATM, filled the ATM with gas, and ignited a fuse, which caused an explosion and damage to the ATM. The ATM was breached as a result of the explosion, and Engel and Petri are accused of stealing approximately $7,000 from the ATM.
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Use of Explosive to Commit a Felony – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(h)
Penalty: 10 years mandatory imprisonment in addition to imprisonment of other felony conviction
Use of an Explosive to Damage Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(i)
Penalty: 5 years mandatory imprisonment; maximum up to 20 years
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Burglary – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 371
Penalty: 5 years maximum
Conspiracy to Damage Property by Use of an Explosive – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 844(n)
Penalty: 10 years maximum
