FBI Seeking Leads on 2 Bank Robbers

The FBI is asking the public for help in its search for two bank robbers who have separately struck 10 times in Orange County since June and may be armed and dangerous.

One robber, known as the “Surgeon Bandit” because he usually wears a medical face mask to hide the bottom of his face, is suspected in seven robberies.

The second man, who fired a gun during one robbery, is called the “Motorcycle Bandit” for his habit of wearing a motorcycle helmet. He is wanted in connection with three robberies.

The “Surgeon Bandit” enters banks carrying a black backpack and warns tellers that he is carrying a bomb that he will detonate unless he is given cash. He is described as white, in his mid-20s, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a small build, sandy brown hair and blue or brown eyes.

The “Surgeon Bandit” is suspected in four Laguna Niguel bank robberies: The Wells Fargo on Street of the Golden Lantern on June 6; Orange National Bank on June 21; World Savings on July 3; Downey Savings & Loan on Aug. 5.

He is also suspected of robbing the First Interstate Bank in Dana Point on July 2, the Wells Fargo in Corona del Mar on July 25 and the Bank of America in Newport Beach on Aug. 5.

The “Motorcycle Bandit” is “reckless” and may be especially dangerous, Special Agent Joseph T. White said. The suspect uses a long-barreled black revolver to threaten tellers and patrons as he takes control of the bank. He then orders employees to fill a briefcase or nylon bag with cash.

The “Motorcycle Bandit” is described as white, mid- to late 30s, about 5 feet, 8 inches, with a medium build, dark curly hair, mustache and goatee. He wears or carries a dark motorcycle helmet and an unusual ball cap with ear flaps.

He is suspected of robbing the World Savings in Huntington Beach on June 24, Fidelity Federal in Newport Beach on July 12 and American Savings in Huntington Beach on Aug. 13.

During the July 12 robbery, the suspect fired his gun, either in error or anger. “We’re not sure if he was mad at the slow-moving tellers,” White said. “He is reckless, though, and that is a real concern.”

Anyone with information about the two suspected robbers is asked to call the FBI Bank Robbery Apprehension Team at (714) 542-8825. After-hours callers should contact the FBI at (310) 477-6565.