Suspect Runs Into FBI and a Wall

A man suspected of robbing or trying to rob 19 banks in the Los Angeles area over the last six months was arrested Friday when he crashed into a wall after allegedly trying to flee on a motorcycle from a bank in West Los Angeles.

The man, identified as Johannes Beukes, 25, of West Los Angeles had allegedly just robbed a First Federal Savings & Loan in the 9300 block of Pico Boulevard of an undisclosed amount of money, said FBI spokesman Fred Reagan. Beukes was taken into custody about 1 p.m.

Two hours earlier, Beukes allegedly had botched an attempt to rob a First Interstate Bank branch at Marina del Rey, Reagan said. He was being questioned by FBI agents Friday night and was expected to be turned over to U.S. marshals.

Beukes is suspected of committing or attempting an average of three robberies a month since Nov. 25 in Los Angeles, the South Bay and the San Fernando Valley. During one incident, he allegedly wore a long, black, braided wig, prompting investigators to dub him “Squaw Man.”