Public Help Sought in Finding Bank Robber

Federal authorities on Wednesday asked for the public’s help in finding a bandit who fired a shot in a bank and slapped a teller several times during a holdup earlier this month.

“It was a particularly violent bank robbery,” said Wylie B. Cox, an FBI spokesman.

The robbery occurred Jan. 15 when a man entered a branch of Capital Bank at 11050 Garden Grove Blvd. in Garden Grove, fired a shot and yelled, “This is a robbery. Hit the ground,” authorities said.

The gunman began shouting at a teller, who was cowering on the floor, crying.

Cox said that when the teller refused to get up and retrieve money for the gunman, he began slapping her.

The gunman then filled a plastic grocery bag with money from four teller stations.

Cox said the gunman, who was armed with either a rifle or shotgun, is suspected in another robbery that occurred Dec. 22 at a branch of the World Savings and Loan Assn. at 16123 Harbor Blvd. in Fountain Valley.

He was described as being black, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, with an average build and light complexion.

During the robbery, he was wearing a sweater with a gray and white pattern, black pants, navy blue socks and black loafers. He also wore a tan stocking mask.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at (714) 542-8825 or (213) 477--6565.