Suspected Bank Robber Caught Hiding Under Bridge Near San Lorenzo River

A suspected bank robber was caught hiding under a bridge after a heist in Santa Cruz Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

Officers were dispatched to a Wells Fargo Bank branch at 74 River St. around 12:30 p.m. on reports of a bank robbery.

A suspect, later identified 31-year-old Michael Holt, reportedly walked into the bank and demanded money while “simulating” the presence of a handgun under his shirt, according to police.

The bank teller complied, and Holt fled the scene on foot. No one was injured in the robbery, police said.

Responding officers formed a perimeter, Based on a description from the bank teller they identified Holt as the suspect.

They found him hiding under a bridge near the San Lorenzo River, according to police. At the time of Holt’s arrest he was in possession of the exact amount of cash reported stolen in the bank robbery.

He was also identified as the suspect by witnesses, according to police. Holt surrendered without incident. Police say Holt is a transient, and he has a history of arrests in the Santa Cruz area.

--Bay City News