Bank of America Branches Robbed in Simi Valley, Oxnard

Two Bank of America branches were robbed within half an hour of each other Thursday afternoon in Simi Valley and Oxnard.

The branch at 1855 N. Oxnard Blvd. was robbed at 2:39 p.m. by a gunman described as black, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, about 150 pounds and 30 to 35 years old. Witnesses said he wore a burgundy ear-length wig, a black suit with a black tie, black gloves and large dark sunglasses.

“He made his intentions known to everyone by giving a command,” said FBI special agent Bob Mack. “He said: ‘This is a robbery. Everyone step back. Get on the floor.’ ”

He escaped in a red sedan driven by a woman. The car had a 5- or 6-year-old child in the front seat, Mack said.

Half an hour later, the Bank of America at 2830 Cochran St., Simi Valley, was held up by a bandit described as Latino, in his early 30s and weighing about 200 pounds. He was described as wearing a black knit ski cap, T-shirt and jeans. Mack said he demanded money from a teller but did not display a weapon.

No one was hurt in the robberies, which authorities believe were unrelated.