Bank Robbery Suspect Sniffed Out in Church

A suspect in a bank robbery surrendered peacefully Tuesday after being sniffed out by police dogs in an East San Diego church where he was hiding, police reported.

The suspect was splattered with red dye that carried a scent that allowed police dogs to find him, police spokesman Bill Robinson said. The dye reportedly came from an exploding packet that had been concealed in the money taken from the bank.

Leroy Lopez, 23, of San Diego, was found behind some boxes in a Mormon church at 5299 Trojan Ave. after a two-hour search, Robinson said. Lopez was being held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center Tuesday night on suspicion of bank robbery, MCC officials said.

Police said a man entered the Security Pacific Bank branch at 5341 El Cajon Blvd. Tuesday morning and gave a teller a note demanding money. No weapon was seen by the teller, nor was one found later by police, Robinson said.

After being given a packet of bills containing a dye pack, the robber ran from the bank and fled in a stolen car. The dye pack apparently exploded while he was in the car, covering him with indelible red paint, Robinson said.

The suspect’s car crashed into a parked vehicle a few blocks from the bank and he then fled on foot, leaving the money behind. Police declined to disclose the amount of money.

Witnesses told police they saw a man dash into the church, Robinson said.

SWAT and canine teams were called to search the church and the surrounding area, Robinson said. About 20 officers sealed off the area and blocked traffic, while police and two German shepherd dogs searched the church.