Bolasky was jittery, his behavior erratic. This is the Inmate Visiting Center of Unit A at the California State Prison in Lancaster, high on the desert plain east of Los Angeles. He refers to himself as having been “indolent” and “fatalistic” in the years leading up to Norco. San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy D. J. McCarty was hit once in the right arm) and one killed. Norco ’80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men—led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian—attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. “My brother is giving me hell for this.” Russ is talking about his older brother, Chris, currently held up north in a Vacaville prison. Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery In American History, by Peter Houlahan (2019 book) is a documented account of the bank robbery, pursuit and 14-month death penalty trial that followed. Deputies of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department responding to the bank robbery call confronted the perpetrators outside the bank and a shootout ensued, killing one perpetrator. Norco ’80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men—led by an apocalyptic born–again Christian—attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. 32 destroyed police vehicles. Introducing Norco 80, the unbelievable true story about God, guns, survivalism and the bank robbery that changed policing in America forever. In May of 1980, the sleepy streets of Norco, California were turned into an all-out war zone in what was one of the most violent bank robberies in American history. From LAist Studios in collaboration with Futuro Studios comes the new podcast—Norco ’80 based on the book by Peter Houlahan. norco 80 episode 1: the robbery . The Norco shootout was an armed confrontation between five heavily armed bank robbers and deputies of the Riverside County and San Bernardino County sheriffs' departments in Norco, California, on May 9, 1980. D. J. McCarty was awarded the Medal of Valor by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for his actions on Baldy Notch Road. When asked if he thinks he fired the shot that killed Jim Evans, he looks away. Unknown to the robbers, an employee at a different bank across the street spotted them entering the bank and called the police. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com. Though it occurred in 1980, it is still used in training law enforcement personnel in anti-terrorism and survival. Suspect Chris Harven was hit once in the back by Deputy Evans, while suspect George Smith was hit twice in the left leg and groin by Deputy Bolasky. But he can’t. Following the robbery, the Irvine Police Department used the case to create a training video. Let's go! Norco '80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men--led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian--attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. [7], In January 2021, LAist Studio from Southern California Public Radio released the ten-part podcast "Norco ‘80: God, Guns, Survivalism and the Bank Robbery that Changed Policing Forever," based on Houlahan's book. This “cinematic” true crime story transports readers to the scene of one of the most shocking bank heists in U.S. history—a crime that’s almost too wild to be real ( The New York Times Book Review ). May 9th, 1980 began as a regular Friday in sleepy Norco, a small town about 48 miles east of Los Angeles, … If they think about an old white inmate like Russell Harven at all, it is probably dismissively. 1 talking about this. The fourth, Manuel Delgado, was killed in a shootout with a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department SWAT team in the foothills. The robbers exited the bank and began to fire on Bolasky's police cruiser, blowing out the windshield and forcing Bolasky to throw the vehicle into reverse, crashing into another car in the street. In a 2000 commemoration ceremony, Glyn Bolasky, Chuck Hille, Andy Delgado and Rolf Parkes received the Medal of Courage for “acts of heroism performed at great risk to life and limb.” James Evans was posthumously awarded the RSO’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor. Now I am a bitter old man waiting for my toe tag.”. The three who were arrested were convicted of 46 felonies and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Russell Harven has been here a long time, and he is never getting out. They stand by their assertion during the trial that it was friendly fire from D.J. “I am somewhat bitter about getting that sentence,” he says. “I used to be a happy-go-lucky, devil-may-care type. “When the suspects heard that rifle, they realized their firepower was now being matched. Helicopters, unarmed before Norco, now circled overhead with machine guns at the ready. Let's go!" On the other hand, it’s Chris. The two had been cellmates for most of the last 15 years, and he expects to be transferred up to Vacaville soon where they will be again. ... and it all began when george smith and four other men tried to pull off a bank robbery in norco, california. Harven responds to the visitor’s questions as best he can, even if the answers are simple and uncomplicated. The guard calls out visitor hours are over and Harven stands. There would have been a lot more dead cops on that road if not for that weapon.”. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! One civilian, 12-year-old Robert Oglesby who was taking a bicycle ride with his friends, was hit by a single bullet in the finger. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Norco ’80 tells the story of how five heavily-armed young men—led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian—attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. But this time, Inland Empire law enforcement agencies came equipped with more than just a single beat-up M16. "There would have been a lot more dead cops on the road if not for that weapon," said Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Rolf Parkes. In his career as an emergency medical technician, he has written a number of articles related to his profession. Within a few more years, the third, Chuck Hille would follow with a related medical discharge. Russ sees it as a blessing and a curse. He says it never occurred to him that it would end up in a gunfight. November 12, 2020 • In 1980, a devastating bank robbery shocked Southern California. If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Peter Houlahan has authored NORCO '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in U.S. History. By then, Russell Harven had already thrown his life away. The perpetrators then ambushed the pursuing deputies and engaged them in another shootout in unincorporated San Bernardino County near Lytle Creek before escaping into a wooded area in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. Harold Hittle, which was forced to land. A street in Norco was named "Deputy Evans Drive" to honor James Evans, the officer who was killed during the shootout. Part action thriller and part courtroom d Jason Zasky Aug 13, 2019 On May 9, 1980, five young men armed with military-grade weapons attempted an ill-conceived robbery of the Security Pacific Bank in Norco… Norco ''80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men - led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian - attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. After the flurry of weapons acquisitions was announced, deputies Andy Delgado and Dave Madden were watching television when the evening news showed video of German police clad in body armor holding Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns across their chests. "After their capture, the suspects stated their intent was to fight to the death."[4]. The dynamic has not changed all that much in 35 years. Directed by Kari Skogland. The gunmen got into the van and once all five men were inside, they attempted to flee the scene, continuing to shoot at Bolasky. [5], In response to the fact that the suspects' weapons were superior to that of the police responding to the incident, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department equipped their deputies with Ruger Mini-14s chambered in .223 Remington as well as the M16 and AR-15. As the four led a police pursuit, they shot at the pursuing officers and threw homemade bombs out of the back of the truck. On one hand, at least it’s someone he knows. “Norco '80” is the true story of the 1980 Norco CA bank robbery & shootout, one of the most violent and spectacular events in law enforcement history I wasn’t happy being left there to die,” he told the Press-Enterprise. As he pulled up, one of the robbers left outside with their getaway van radioed his partners inside the bank and said "We've been spotted! The suspects pulled far ahead of the pursuing police officers and stopped to ambush them as they caught up. As impetus for acquiring new weapons and as a training framework for anticipating violence, the Norco shootout contributed to the militarization of police forces across the United States.[6]. From the Norco … In a 2017 article for Vice entitled “How a 1980 Bank Robbery Sparked the Militarization of America’s Police,” a quote from Rolf Parkes pinpointed the evolution to a specific moment and the actions of a single deputy: D. J. McCarty. Norco ’80, finale: Careers ruined, police…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Norco ’80, finale: Careers ruined, police tactics changed by bank robbery and gun battle, This Episcopal priest writes of grief and the death of her infant son in ‘The Night Lake’, Why Te-Ping Chen’s ‘Land of Big Numbers’ announces a blazing new talent, Why Mick Herron’s band of ‘Slow Horses’ spies are more ‘The Office’ than 007, These captivating short stories in ‘Wild Swims’ reveal strange, haunted characters. On July 13, 1980, just over two months after the Norco bank robbery, the Riverside Press-Enterprise began a four-part exposé titled “Staying Alive.” On Jan. 12, 1981, the Riverside Police Department parted ways with Bolasky, labeling him a “vicarious liability.” When a reporter asked RPD Chief Victor Jones why his department had not done more to help Bolasky, “Jones said he doesn’t have the budget for psychologists or psychiatrists, so he retires officers when they have mental fatigue.” The comment was a stark illustration of law enforcement’s approach at the time to the problem of posttraumatic stress disorder among officers. Mayhem. It had taken 20 months, but now two of the three deputies who had shot it out with the escaping bank robbers at the intersection of Fourth and Hamner were out of the only career they had ever wanted. Norco ’80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men―led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian―attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. Norco 80 podcast on demand - In May of 1980, the sleepy streets of Norco, California were turned into an all-out war zone in what is one of the most violent bank robberies in American history. “I’ve spent most of my life trying not to think about what happened that day.” In his letters and as he speaks, the superior intelligence range in which he tested just after Norco is obvious. Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Glyn Bolasky was the first officer to arrive at the scene. “Riverside’s deputies are as well-trained and equipped as any police officers in the state.” On the subject of guns, Clark conceded, “The bad guys simply had the better weapons.” However, he dismissed the idea that high-powered rifles would have done his men any good. Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery In American History, by Peter Houlahan (2019 book) is a documented account of the bank robbery, pursuit and 14-month death penalty trial that followed. Trapped in a suburban neighborhood four hours later, the two suspects were killed in just over five minutes with a hail of 440 rounds of police gunfire. “That’s the way it’s going,” Andy said. Shortly after publication of the article, Sheriff Clark changed course with a surprising announcement. However, the journey begins with five young men, armed with military-grade weapons and lead by a born-again Christian. And they’re scared. Well respected but always fiery, Delgado increasingly found himself in flare-ups, confrontations and shouting matches with supervisors and fellow officers. The four remaining robbers then exited the vehicle and fired over 200 rounds at Bolasky, putting 47 bullet holes in his cruiser. On July 13, 1980, just over two months after the Norco bank robbery, the Riverside Press-Enterprise began a four-part exposé titled “Staying Alive.” Ostensibly an exploration of lessons learned from the Norco bank robbery, the opening lines of the first article clearly announced what it was really about: Riverside sheriff’s deputies are angry. Overall, they damaged 33 police vehicles, including a police helicopter piloted by Lt. John Gibson and observed by Sgt. Of course he wasn’t there. The eyes are the same, too, squinty with a bit of a sparkle. “Norco ’80 reads like a pre-apocalyptic nightmare, and it’s all true. The police, armed with only .38-Special revolvers and 12-gauge shotguns, were woefully outgunned. “It is our intention to buy 40 Mini-14 rifles.”. If it had, he never would have done it. In the two months following the Norco bank robbery, the Riverside PD had ordered a dozen high-powered rifles. Moreover, this remarkable story flows to the most violent criminal events in United States history. 1 spectacular bank robbery. ‎ 5 young men. The next day, three of the gunmen were arrested. It was carried out by … Listen as host and producer Antonia Cereijido tells the unbelievable true story about God, guns, survivalism and the bank robbery that changed policing in America forever. Other police agencies involved thought differently. Norco '80 The Most Spectacular Bank Robbery Story in American History is beyond imagining. Peter Houlahan  is a freelance writer contributing to a wide range of publications. But soon into his six-month field-training program his training officer spotted problems. Taking cover behind his vehicle, Bolasky returned fire at the gunmen. Two days later, three of the four surviving perpetrators were arrested in the area of the ambush; the fourth killed himself before he could be captured by police. but things would quickly go sideways. I was fortunate to attend the 2019 annual training conference of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) in Orlando, Florida, and hear Peter Houlahan speak about the infamous Norco bank robbery that’s the subject of his book, Norco ’80. The robbers continued to fire at other officers arriving at the scene, and attempted to escape again by commandeering a truck (the truck was owned by Michael C. Linville) stopped at the intersection in front of the bank. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Plagued by bad dreams, dark thoughts and anxiety along with a growing bitterness toward the department, Glyn Bolasky quit the RSO within the year for a job at the Riverside PD. By the first anniversary of Norco, he was carrying two handguns while out in the field – one in a shoulder holster, one in his boot. Officers swarmed the region in BearCat armored personnel carriers and armed with semiautomatic weapons while police choppers equipped as “gun platforms” circled overhead. The perpetrators then stole a vehicle in the bank parking lot and fled the scene, leading police on a 25-mile (40 km) car chase into neighboring San Bernardino County. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. “Because I thought we’d get away with it.”. [8], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}33°55′29″N 117°33′34″W / 33.9246312°N 117.559306°W / 33.9246312; -117.559306, Aftermath and prosecution of the perpetrators, Learn how and when to remove this template message, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, 2009 shootings of Oakland police officers, "Surviving terrorism: shot five times by bank robbers, an Air Force officer tells his story, offering candid advice how to avoid being a victim of terrorists", https://www.latimes.com/books/la-ca-jc-norco-80-peter-houlahan-interview-20190605-story.html, "A first person account of the day that changed law-enforcement in Riverside County forever", "How a 1980 Bank Robbery Sparked the Militarization of America's Police", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norco_shootout&oldid=1004897742, Law enforcement operations in the United States, Articles needing additional references from February 2013, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 February 2021, at 23:54. A desperate band of Militia men attempts a daylight bank robbery in the sleepy semi-rural City of Norco, California, and leads the local Police on the longest, most violent running gun battle in Law Enforcement history. “God, I hope not.”, Like his brother, Russell is still angry about the trial. A bank robbery goes sideways. Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Ken McDaniels was hit once in the right shoulder. If he auditioned for Santa Claus at the local mall, he’d probably get the job. They try to figure out if they might have gone to some of the same concerts. “Norco 80” New addition by Mark Lentine & Eddie George with Hemeteyenews.com “It seemed like a pretty normal day. They were soon joined by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy D. J. McCarty, who brought an M16 to the shootout in a patrol car driven by Deputy James McPheron. In the immediate aftermath, local police officials cited the lesson learned from Norco as the genesis of the Inland Empire law enforcement’s ability to rapidly deploy with such overwhelming force. Andy Delgado was medically discharged by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for posttraumatic stress disorder. A native Southern Californian, Houlahan now lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut. A man walks into the room with a sly, almost mischievous smile on his face. The following is excerpted from Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by Peter Houlahan, available on June 11, 2019. Norco '80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men - led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian - attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in US history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. By this time, Deputies Charles Hille and Andy Delgado (no relation to brothers Belisario and Manuel) had arrived at the scene. Riverside County deputies were joined in the pursuit by officers of other area law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. After 100 years of policing the Wild West with a six-shooter and a Winchester shotgun, Inland Empire law enforcement agencies were now on their way to becoming some of the most heavily armed in the nation. He did not try to disguise the reason: “If I can’t count on people in this department to back me up, then I’ll do it myself.”  In February of 1982, Det. Most of the accusations were aimed directly at Sheriff Ben Clark, in his 17th year leading the department. November 12, 2020 Trailer: Norco 80. The suspects fled the scene, immediately sparking the largest manhunt in the Inland Empire since the search for the Norco bank robbers 35 years before. Peter Houlahan, author of “Norco 80,” on one of the most disastrous and violent bank robberies in American history. This scene, played out in movies like Heat and Den of Thieves, is a key element of the modern bank robbery story—particularly those set in Los Angeles.As Houlahan writes in Norco 80, the modern bank robbery is often associated with L.A. … Dear Reader: We are proud to introduce today the first installment of “Norco ’80,” the incredible true story of a Southern California bank robbery that occurred 40 years ago this month. A true crime account of one of the most violent bank heists in US history. Before leaving, the visitor cannot help but ask what is both the best and stupidest question one can ask someone who has done something unimaginable: “Why did you do it?”, “Simple,” Harven says without hesitation. “I had a three-minute gun battle with the robbers. Twenty years after the Norco bank robbery, the Riverside Sheriff’s Department finally officially honored the deputies involved. Police departments began purchasing more powerful firearms and equipping surveillance helicopters with weapons. Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Darrell Reed was hit once in the back of his left knee. At approximately 3:40 p.m., five men armed with shotguns, a G3 rifle, HK93s, handguns, AR-15s, a katana and an improvised explosive device robbed the Norco branch of Security Pacific Bank. “Norco '80” is the true story of the 1980 Norco CA bank robbery & shootout, one of the most violent and spectacular events in law enforcement history California Highway Patrol officer Bill Crowe was hit once in the right arm. The three arrested suspects, George Wayne Smith and brothers Christopher and Russell Harven, were convicted of 46 felonies and sentenced to life in prison without parole. ‎In May of 1980, the sleepy streets of Norco, California were turned into an all-out war zone in what is one of the most violent bank robberies in American history. Two of the five perpetrators and one sheriff's deputy were killed, eight other law enforcement officers, one citizen and two other perpetrators were wounded, and massive amounts of gunfire damaged at least 30 police cars, a police helicopter, and numerous nearby homes and businesses. At 3:40 p.m. on May 9, 1980, four robbers stormed into the bank and forced the tellers to hand over $20,000 in cash, while the fifth robber kept watch outside. Bolasky was hit five times; in the face, upper left shoulder, both forearms and the left elbow.[2]. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office acquired three dozen automatic weapons and an M60 belt-fed machine gun capable of firing 750 rounds of .308 ammunition per minute to mount on one of its choppers. In May of 1980, the sleepy streets of Norco, California were turned into an all-out war zone in what was one of the most violent bank robberies in American history. The true story of the most spectacular bank robbery in American history. The two sheriff’s departments had gone from a pair of high-powered rifles between them to more than 75 and counting. 4 talking about this. Nor… As the van sped away, a pellet from Bolasky's shotgun struck the driver, Belisario Delgado, just behind his right ear, killing him and sending the van crashing into a telephone pole guy-wire. His true crime book chronicles the 1980 bank robbery and shootout in Norco, CA from inception through the death penalty trial. Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Herman Brown was hit in the left lower leg by multiple bullet fragments. With David Cubitt, Kristin Lehman, Jessica Steen, Brendan Fletcher. Norco 80. For a while, they are just two guys sitting around talking about the old neighborhood. Deputy Bolasky recovered from his wounds sustained in the shootout and was awarded several decorations for his actions. Grumbling among the RSO deputies had begun immediately after Norco, many feeling they had inadequate training, weapons and communications. “That’s how we’ll all be armed soon.”. At 11 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2015, two Islamic extremists armed with AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, thousands of rounds of .223 ammunition and homemade pipe bombs burst into the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino and opened fire on an employee meeting inside. Norco ’80, part 3: Even near ‘Bank Robbery Capital,’ deputies couldn’t know what was coming ... his decision was not based on the cardinal rule of L.A. bank robbery. It was September 1980. He holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. Within minutes, 14 were dead and 22 seriously injured. Then, for the next five-and-a-half hours, they pistol-whipped him and threatened him with a knife, while bullets whizzed past his face and crashed into his van,” said Peter Houlahan, author or “Norco 80,” the first book which chronicles the botched bank robbery cum kidnapping, cum murder. The motive for the 1980 robbery of the Security Pacific National Bank in Norco, California, may have been typical, but the reason the men who planned it wanted that money was not. Norco marked the start of a two-year slide for Andy Delgado. Harven’s mood changes. He is in his mid-60s with a potbelly, the long beard and hair much as it was 35 years earlier, only now snow white. The visitor center is full of men in denim shirts and pants, almost all black or Hispanic. The deputies don’t think their department is doing enough to prevent it from happening again. [3] Shortly after he engaged the robbers with his rifle, they stopped shooting and fled the scene, running into the wooded area of Lytle Creek, San Bernardino. Based on the true events. McCarty that killed Evans, so they should have gotten 25 years to life under the Felony Murder Rule instead of life without parole. While Delgado engaged the robbers with gunfire, Hille managed to evacuate Bolasky in his cruiser and transport him to a nearby hospital. “What about the AC/DC Back in Black tour at the Orange Pavilion in San Bernardino?” the visitor asks. From LAist Studios in collaboration with Futuro Studios comes the new podcast—Norco ’80 based on the book by Peter Houlahan. He later became an officer in the U. S. Air Force,[2] rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and working as an electronic warfare officer. Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Tony Reynard was hit once in the left elbow. “I like the guy,” the training officer concluded, “but he just can’t get over Norco.”. But there is not one of them in the room who has a conviction record approaching anything like his: 45 major felonies including kidnapping, explosives, armed robbery, 24 counts of attempted murder and two first-degree murder convictions in the deaths of Jim Evans and Billy Delgado. Deputy James Evans, one of the first units to come under attack during the ambush, was shot in the head and killed. A film, Rapid Fire (2006), was made about the shootout. After two hours, the visitor runs out of questions, so they spend the last hour talking about ’70s rock music and L.A. radio stations they used to listen to, the smoggy days, sneaking into Disneyland – all the stuff teenagers growing up in Orange County did back then. Andy Delgado never fully forgave Glyn Bolasky and Chuck Hille for leaving him alone under fire in front of the bank that day. Listen as h… Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Rolf Parkes was hit three times in the head, face and arm. Tried along with Chris and George, all three defense teams accused the prosecution and police of misconduct including perjury and destroying evidence. Clark contested the accusations head-on. A fellow officer, James B. Evans, was shot to death during a robbery and chase that led into the San Gabriel Mountains. Norco ’80 tells the story of how five heavily armed young men—led by an apocalyptic born–again Christian—attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. Robbers, armed with high-powered automatic weapons, engage in a shootout with cops in the streets. In all, eight officers had been wounded (Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Glyn Bolasky was hit five times; in the face, upper left shoulder, both forearms and the left elbow.

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