Man who phoned in threats to Pride parade linked to bank robberies
A man who allegedly phoned in death threats to the 2019 San Diego Pride parade was charged Wednesday for three bank robberies.
San Diego detectives and FBI agents say they linked Andre Lafayette Holmes, 31, to threats made to Pride parade organizers on July 10, 2019 and three bank robberies that date back to 2016.
Detectives say Holmes robbed a US Bank in Spring Valley on November 4, 2016, Mission Federal Credit Union in San Diego on June 14, 2018, and California Bank and Trust in San Diego on June 28, 2019.
The caller said: “I think I’m going to have to kill all the gays and the children.” He then repeated, “I’m going to have to kill the f—— and children.” The employee asked, “Sir, what’s your name?” The caller replied: “I don’t like them” and “I hate the f——.” He then hung up. About four minutes later, he called back. ” F— Donald Trump. I hate Hillary. I hate f—. I’m going to shoot up the Pride event. ”
The organizer who answered the call said the caller repeated the statement approximately four times.
San Diego police say they identified the number belonging to Holmes on July 11, and determined he drove a 2009 Toyota minivan that was registered under his name. Holmes was said to be located near Miramar College and a traffic stop was conducted where the complaint says he was in possession of the phone from which the threats were made.
Upon searching Holmes home and vehicle investigators say they discovered evidence of the bank robberies which included a gray semi-automatic pistol, a rubber ” old man ” mask, a large bag of cash, clothing believed to be worn by the bank robber, and a Big Gulp 7-Eleven mug that was consistent with one used during two of the robberies.
During the first robbery, the complaint alleges Holmes had a written demand not that said: ” We have guns! I will personally shoot anyone you alert! Don’t make me jump over the counter and kill innocent people. Big bills only and I’ll calmly leave. Money now!!!! ” On the back of the note, it said: ” I’m sorry, good man on hard times. Sincerely, Bank Robber. ”
Authorities say they are currently evaluating further charges for Holmes’ threats to the San Diego Pride Parade.
