FBI seeks info on bank robbers hitting Westside, San Fernando Valley
Federal and local authorities are seeking information about two bank robbers suspected in a combined 19 cases dating to 2012.
The first suspect, nicknamed the “Valley Bandit,” has been linked to 11 bank robberies across the San Fernando Valley, the FBI said. The first occurred at a Northridge Bank of America in December 2012, officials said, the most recent at a Canoga Park Wells Fargo on Thursday.
Officials said the baseball hat-wearing suspect typically uses a revolver to threaten bank employees and customers.
The suspect is described as a Latino or Middle Eastern man 25 to 35 years of age, between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall, and weighing from 180 to 200 pounds. Officials said the man has also been linked to a white Mercedes-Benz SUV and a black Mercedes sedan.
The second suspect, dubbed the “Westside Gun and Bag Bandit” because he carries a gun and a brown paper bag to carry stolen cash, has struck eight banks in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Venice, the FBI said. The first robbery linked to the suspect occurred at a Santa Monica First Republic in May 2013, officials said, the most recent at a Santa Monica U.S. Bank on Jan. 7.
That suspect is described as a white man between the ages of 35 and 45, from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, and weighing 160 to 180 pounds. He has been seen wearing a baseball or cowboy hat, officials said.
U.S. Bank has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the Westside Gun and Bag Bandit’s arrest and conviction, the FBI said.
The suspects are not linked, the FBI said. Authorities ask anyone with information about either man to contact their nearest FBI office or call 911.
Twitter: @katemather | Google+
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