FBI: ‘Keep Smiling’ bandit strikes again in Orange County

Just keep smiling, the bank robber told his victims Saturday as he hit a Tustin bank. Those are words he uttered in the past too, the FBI said.

But the note the man dubbed the “Keep Smiling Bandit” passed to a teller at the Citibank branch in the 18200 block of Irvine Boulevard was cheerless, menacing and easily understood.

“Keep your hands away from the alarm or I’ll shoot,” the note read.

The bandit seemed nervous during the robbery but a weapon was never seen, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

He may also be linked to a robbery that occurred just days before at another Citibank in Costa Mesa. In both robberies, authorities say he wore a baseball cap and glasses.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at (310) 477-6565.

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