Carlsbad Resident Arrested as Suspect in Bank Robbery

Just after midnight Jan. 21, a SWAT team executed a state search warrant at the home of a Carlsbad man suspected in a series of bank robberies in North County. 

Steven Craig Hart, 49, was arrested on bank robbery charges as a result of the investigation into the “Dying Son Bandit,” according to an FBI spokesman. A series of bank robberies in North County and Orange County has been committed by a man who told tellers he needs money for his son.

According to the FBI, the Dying Son Bandit is suspected of robbing seven banks:

• , Navy Federal Credit Union, 1824 Marron Rd., Carlsbad
• , California Bank and Trust, 135 Saxony Rd., Encinitas
• Dec. 31, 2011, Bank of America, 4150 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside
• Jan. 5, 2012, US Bank, 33621 Del Obispo, Dana Point
• Jan. 6, 2012, Citibank, 740 South Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos
• Jan. 13, 2012, Wells Fargo Bank, 10707 Camino Cruz, San Diego
• Jan. 20, 2012, Citibank, 24221 Calle De La Louisa, Laguna Hills

The Dying Son Bandit is also a suspect in three attempted bank robberies in the region, including on Jan. 6 at Comerica Bank in Encinitas. According to Darrell Foxworth of the FBI, the investigation has determined that references to a dying son were false.

Hart’s residence is located in the 2000 block of Avenue of the Trees, Carlsbad. Hart was arrested at the residence during the execution of a search warrant, according to police. Items considered evidence were seized at the house.

Investigators credit a recent tip from the public that led to Hart’s arrest. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility for robbery, second degree. Bail was set at $1 million.