A 24-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon after an alleged attempted robbery at a Wells Fargo branch in downtown Lodi, according to police.
Officers responded at approximately 12:45 p.m. to reports of a robbery in progress at 120 W. Lodi Avenue. Police said the suspect, identified as Jocelin Flores Alvarez of Lodi, entered the bank and handed a note to an employee demanding money and threatening harm.
Responding officers established a perimeter and began evacuating staff. Several employees left the building, while others remained inside.
According to police, one employee stayed on the phone with dispatch and reported that the suspect had displayed a knife. The call disconnected shortly after the employee said the suspect was walking toward them with the weapon.
“Officers, concerned for the safety of the employees still in the building, entered the bank and were able to arrest the suspect,” Lodi police stated in a social media post.
Crime in Lodi has shown a mixed trend over the past year, with notable declines in violent offenses but continued challenges in property crime. As of 2024, Lodi police reported a 71% drop in homicides, along with decreases in rape, robbery and aggravated assault compared to 2023.
However, burglary rose by 26%, and vehicle theft remains a persistent issue. Broader estimates put Lodi’s overall crime rate at roughly 24.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, with property crimes—especially auto theft—exceeding national averages. Despite the improvements, the city remains less safe than the majority of U.S. cities of similar size, according to independent safety indexes.
No injuries were reported. Police said no additional suspects are believed to be involved. The investigation is ongoing.