Fugitive Bomber Arrested in North Wales After 20 Years on the Run
November 26, 2024Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in North Wales after evading capture for over 20 years, wanted by the FBI for two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.
He is accused of planting two bombs at a biotechnology firm in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003, which exploded an hour apart; fortunately, no injuries were reported.
These bombings followed harassment incidents against Chiron executives by animal rights activists opposing the company's use of laboratory animals.
San Diego has connections to animal rights extremist groups and is known for his strict vegan diet, opposing the use of animals in research.
He was last seen on October 6, 2003, after parking his car in San Francisco and disappearing into a transit station, successfully evading authorities despite numerous reported sightings worldwide.
San Diego was featured on billboards and television shows like 'America's Most Wanted,' with his images circulated widely across the U.S.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that San Diego's arrest showcases the agency's commitment to pursuing fugitives, regardless of how long they have been on the run.
The arrest was a result of collaboration between the FBI and several British police services, highlighting international cooperation in law enforcement.
Local residents in Maenan, where he lived under an assumed name, were shocked to discover that a wanted fugitive had been residing in their community.
San Diego grew up in a wealthy suburb of Marin County, California, and had a background as a computer network specialist and skilled sailor.
He has a distinctive tattoo on his chest depicting burning hillsides with the phrase 'it only takes a spark,' which has been noted in his FBI profile.
San Diego is currently in extradition custody, but it remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
Summary based on 22 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Nov 27, 2024
‘It’s a sleepy little place’: disbelief in north Wales after dramatic arrest of US terror suspectThe Guardian • Nov 26, 2024
Terror suspect on FBI’s most wanted list arrested in north WalesLos Angeles Times • Nov 26, 2024
Animal rights activist wanted for bombings in San Francisco is caught - Los Angeles Times