3 Sought in Bank Robberies

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding three people suspected of bank robberies in the San Fernando Valley.

On March 15, two armed men wearing ski masks robbed a Washington Mutual branch in Van Nuys and pistol-whipped a bank manager. Police recovered the robbers’ stolen van, money and weapons, but the men are still at large.

Later that evening, one of the suspected robbers broke into an apartment near the bank and held a family of four at knifepoint for more than three hours, police said. The family was not injured.

That man was described as African American, in his early 30s, 150 pounds and 5-feet-7. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Police had no description of his partner.

Police are seeking a third man wanted in connection with seven other bank robberies in the last four months, all on Ventura Boulevard. The last occurred Wednesday at the Pacific Coast Bank in Encino.

This robber is white, 35 to 45, 150 pounds to 180 pounds, about 5-feet-7, with salt and pepper hair. He is known as the “Mumbles Bandit,” because he speaks quietly when he demands money.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LAPD at (213) 485-0780 or (213) 485-2504.