Photos show alleged robber

LA CRESCENTA — FBI investigators have released new surveillance photographs of the so-called “Green-tattoo Bandit,” who they say robbed the same Foothill Boulevard bank twice in three years.

The photographs show the robber talking to a teller at the Bank of America in the 3100 block of Foothill Boulevard during a November 2007 hold-up. The same man is suspected of robbing that same bank on Sept. 9.

FBI investigators were able to link the robberies to the same man because witness descriptions of the suspect were identical in both heists, and in both crimes, the man threatened to kill the tellers, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

“His [modus operandi] was almost identical,” she said.

The robber was dubbed the “Green-tattoo Bandit” because witnesses reported in both robberies seeing reddish-green tattoos on the back of his neck, Eimiller said.

During the September robbery, the man entered the bank about 12:56 p.m. while carrying a manila envelope, according to the FBI.

The robber removed a note from the envelope and handed it to the teller.

The note included written instructions for the teller and the words, “I will shoot you,” in large print, according to the FBI.

After the teller complied with his demands, he fled with an unknown amount of cash, officials said.

A witness saw the man run along Foothill Boulevard immediately after the robbery and jump into an older white compact car that drove away.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies searched the area for the suspect and alleged getaway vehicle, but were unable to find them, Sgt. Ray Harley said.

Sheriff’s officials have not received tips since the robbery, he said.

“But we are hoping we get a tip,” Harley said.

While investigating the most recent robbery, FBI agents were able to link the robber to the Nov. 28, 2007, heist.

In the 2007 hold up, the robber also carried a manila envelope, presented a similar demand note and threatened to use a weapon, according to the FBI.

The bandit’s three-year time lapse between robberies is not uncommon, Eimiller said.

Some robbers hit banks every few days to support their drug habits, while others take long breaks between robberies, she said.

The robber was described as white or Latino, about 35 years old, 200 pounds, 6 feet tall, with an athletic build and black short hair.

Anyone with details about the robbery or the suspect may call Harley at (818) 248-3464 Ext. 4009, and the FBI at (310) 477-6565 or (888) 226-8443.