Bank robbery suspect arrested after being chased from high school

PALO ALTO >> Authorities on Monday arrested a bank robbery suspect after finding him at Palo Alto High School and chasing him off campus.

The bank robbery was reported at the Bank of America branch at 395 Quarry Road just before noon, Palo Alto police spokeswoman Janine De la Vega said in a news release.

De la Vega said a man wearing a face mask handed a note to a teller demanding money, but he did not make any threats or display a weapon. The teller gave him an undisclosed sum of cash, which he put in his pockets before making his getaway on a bicycle.

Officers found the suspect at the school and chased him off campus southbound onto a bike path that runs parallel with the Caltrain tracks, where he was arrested without incident, De la Vega said. He was identified as David Esqueda Jr., 33, of Redwood City.

De la Vega said an officer suffered moderate injuries during the pursuit and was taken to a hospital.

Officers found cash from the bank inside Esqueda’s pockets, De la Vega said. He was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose on charges of robbery, commercial burglary and resisting arrest.

Esqueda also had a warrant for driving with a suspended license and is on probation for assault on a peace officer.

Anyone with information about the case can contact the Palo Alto Police Department at 650329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.