ATM Bomber Engel Gets 11.5 Years

SAN DIEGO, CA – Chad Lee Engel is trading sunshine for shadows after receiving a hefty 138-month federal prison sentence for a brazen string of ATM bombings across San Diego County. The 30s-year-old Chula Vista man admitted to a calculated scheme of blowing up cash machines to line his pockets, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in his wake.

Engel pleaded guilty in July 2022, confessing to his role in the July 4, 2017, explosion at a California Coast Credit Union ATM on Ruffin Road, and a similar attack on a Chevron gas station ATM on Miramar Road just over a month later, August 13, 2017. The first incident involved a crude pipe bomb detonated under the machine, causing significant structural damage, though failing to immediately access the cash. The second was more successful. Engel and an accomplice drilled into the Chevron ATM, pumped in an unknown flammable gas—likely acetylene or propane—and ignited a hobby fuse, obliterating the machine and making off with approximately $7,000.

But the explosions were only part of the story. A joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Metro Arson Strike Team, and the FBI uncovered a pattern of attempted ATM burglaries. Prior to the bombings, Engel and his accomplice attempted to crack an ATM at a National City Super Laundry on June 18, 2017, making off with a measly $140 in the process. A week later, on June 25, they physically stole an ATM from a 76 Gas Station on Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard, hauling it to Fiesta Island and using a grinder and cutting torch to pry it open.

“This is a just sentence for a defendant whose dangerous actions caused significant damage,” stated U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “If you use explosives to break the law, you are going to prison for a long time.” Grossman specifically thanked the ATF, the Metro Arson Strike Team, the FBI, and the National City Police Department for their relentless work in bringing Engel to justice. The case, identified as 17-cr-03401-JLS, highlighted the collaborative effort needed to dismantle such a dangerous operation.

Jennifer Cicolani, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Los Angeles Field Division, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating explosives-related crime. “ATF is dedicated to preventing and reducing violent crime involving the criminal misuse of explosives,” she said. “ATF remains vigilant about working with its partners to keep the public safe by investigating and perfecting charges against those who misuse explosives for greed and public destruction.”

Engel’s 11.5-year sentence sends a clear message: messing with explosives and attempting to profit from the destruction of property won’t be tolerated. While the money stolen may have seemed like a quick score, the cost – in terms of years lost and the potential for serious harm – proved far too high. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to search for Engel’s accomplice, who faces similar charges.