Suspect in Bombings at S.F. Banks Is Arrested

A suspected bomb-toting extortionist was arrested in a dramatic confrontation near Fisherman’s Wharf, ending a $3.3-million plot against area banks, the FBI said Saturday.

Demian Trevor O’Keefe of Glen Ellen, Calif., was disarmed of an explosive device carried on his body and taken into custody by FBI agents and San Francisco police officers Friday night.

O’Keefe, 39, faces charges of violation of federal extortion laws, which carry a penality of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, FBI Agent Richard Held said.

Series of Threats

Held said the arrest was the climax to a series of threats and explosions at two banks in the city.

The saga began at 5 p.m. Monday when a bomb blew up at a Wells Fargo branch bank, causing minor damage to the windows, Held said. A second bomb was detonated at 2:10 a.m. Tuesday at another Wells Fargo branch, again causing minor damage.

A third, unexploded bomb was discovered Friday at yet another Wells Fargo branch when an employee discovered a wrapped package marked “Danger,” Held said.

Explosive experts opened the package, found a device they dismantled and a cassette tape with a recording demanding the bomber be paid $3.3 million to stop attacking the bank. The message warned that explosives were planted at three other banks and that the locations would be disclosed after the money was paid.

Instructions would be telephoned at 3:30 p.m. as to where and when to deliver the money, the voice said.

Package Delivered

The extortionist called on cue and a package was delivered to him, Held said. Moments later FBI and police officials blanketing the scene caught O’Keefe just west of Fisherman’s Wharf.

A brief standoff ensued, and the area was cordoned off. Bomb experts dismantled the explosives on his body, and he was found to have the parcel demanded of the bank by the extortionist, Held said.

Agents found several more explosive devices in O’Keefe’s vehicle, he said.