Police Arrest Homeless Man in Attempted Bank Robbery

By Lookout Staff

July 20 -- Police arrested a homeless man who tried to hold up the Washington Mutual Bank branch Downtown around noon Wednesday.

Justin Chandler Horton, a 26-year-old white transient, was booked at the Santa Monica Jail and charged with attempted armed robbery and violating his probation, police said. His bail is set at $50,000.

Police believe Horton entered the bank on the 1300 block of 4th Street and presented a demand note to the employee, said Lt. Frank Fabrega, the Police Department spokesman.

“The suspect left the bank without any money,” Fabrega said.

Officers responding to a call reporting the attempted robbery spotted the suspect on foot a block east on 5th Street, where he was detained, police said.

Police conducted a field show up, and the suspect was positively identified, then arrested.

Anyone having additional information regarding this incident should call the Robbery/Homicide Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310. 458.8451.