TURLOCK, California — A 45-year-old man was arrested following a bank robbery at the US Bank in Turlock, where he allegedly threatened employees with a fake explosive device, according to the Turlock Police Department. The suspect, Benjamin Charles Malakismail, of Stanislaus County, was apprehended after a traffic stop on January 2, 2025.On December 31, 2024, at approximately 1:38 p.m., Turlock Police Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a robbery at the bank located at 427 E. Olive Ave. The suspect reportedly entered the bank with a briefcase, claiming it contained an explosive device, and demanded money. He fled the scene in a white Lexus with an undisclosed amount of cash, leaving the briefcase behind. The Stanislaus County Sheriff Bomb Squad later determined the briefcase did not contain an explosive device.The investigation led detectives to conduct surveillance outside Turlock city limits, where they identified a white Lexus matching the suspect vehicle’s description. Malakismail was arrested and charged with robbery and making a false report of an explosive device. Police Chief Jason Hedden emphasized the department’s commitment to community safety, stating, “Crimes like this have no place in our community and will not be tolerated.”The Turlock Police Department expressed gratitude to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and a citizen witness for their assistance in the investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Matthew Ulrich or use the department’s Tip Line. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers, with potential eligibility for a cash reward.