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Hypnotist Bandit strikes in Manhattan Beach, fourth bank in a month

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A man dubbed the Hypnotist Bandit because he gazes at bank tellers during his robberies struck again Friday for the fourth time in less than a month, officials said.

The man entered a Bank of America in Manhattan Beach about 4:35 p.m. and passed a note to the teller, saying “this is a robbery” and to make it “quick and easy,” FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. The note also made a demand for large bills.

After the robber fled with the cash, FBI investigators later determined the robbery was similar to others linked to the Hypnotist Bandit.

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Eimiller said what makes this bandit unusual is that he stares at the bank tellers and makes eye contact with them.

“Most bank robbers are trying to disguise themselves,” she said.

At least four bank robberies, including Friday’s, have been connected to the man.

The robberies, which began May 27 in Pasadena, had mostly remained in the San Gabriel Valley until Friday.

He is roughly 30 years old with a thin frame, between 190 and 200 pounds and has a fading red heart tattoo on one hand, according to the FBI.

For breaking news in Los Angeles and California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA, or email her at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.

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