Today is Monday, September 7th, 2020.

On this day in 1989, a pair of bandits shot two security guards and one onlooker while robbing a Brinks truck in San Francisco.

The thieves made a clean getaway in what was either a brilliant scheme or a tragic mistake.

Welcome to today in True Crime, a parcast original. Due to the graphic nature of today's crimes, listener discretion is advised. Extreme caution is

advised for listeners under 13.

Today we're covering a dramatic and puzzling armored truck robbery that took place in San Francisco's

bustling financial district.

Let's go back to September 7, 1989 at the corner of California and Pine Street

just before 10 o'clock in the morning.

The morning started out like any other day on the job for Brink's security guards Joseph Ariola and Clifford Spencer.

As part of their delivery schedule, they dropped off 5,500 dollars worth of Canadian currency at the Bank of America in San Francisco's bustling financial

district.

Then they headed back to their armored truck, walking through the busy concourse that connected the branch to the bank's high-rise

headquarters at 555 California Street.

Along the way, 53-year-old Joseph waved and said hello to shop owners and security guards in the Grand

Concourse.

He'd been on the job for nearly four years and was familiar with the route. On the other hand, 24-year-old

Clifford was a bit of a rookie. He had only been on the job for a few months. As Joseph and Clifford walked, two other men entered the concourse from the opposite direction.

They looked to be in their late 20s or early 30s,

with muscular builds wearing blue jackets, jeans, and white baseball caps.

The duo walked with purpose, keeping their heads down.

Whatever they were up to, it seemed that they wanted to fly

...