A man appeared in court today accused of terrorizing bank employees at knifepoint, after he barricaded himself inside a branch and instigated an hours-long standoff with police.
Kenneth Jenkins, 66, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to multiple felony counts of false imprisonment, making criminal threats, exhibiting a deadly weapon and vandalism at the Chase Bank at 1724 Fulton Street on October 9 2023.
Police say the Monday afternoon episode began when Jenkins entered the bank, became embroiled in a verbal dispute with staff, then drew a knife. Nearby stores, including a supermarket were evacuated as police dealt with the situation.
A bid by Jenkins’ public defender to secure his client’s release on his own recognizance was rejected.
“I’m not going to release him today,” said Superior Court Judge Victor Hwang. “I am going to order an ICR [In-Custody Referral] to see if there is an underlying reason for the conduct.”
The judge signed a stay away order on the bench which forbids the defendant, when released, from approaching the bank branch and four named employees involved in the incident.
Jenkins criminal record includes multiple arrests for drugs possession and supply and burglary.
He was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on October 27 at 9:00am in Department 11 of San Francisco Superior Court.
The case continues.
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