$5000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction of the Watsonville Take-Over Bank Robbery Suspects

FBI agents and Watsonville Police Detectives are seeking the public's assistance in learning the identity of at least three unidentified men responsible for the take-over bank robbery in Watsonville, CA on April 22, 2011. Bay Federal Credit Union is offering a reward of up to $5,000* in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

The bank robbers entered the Bay Federal Credit Union, which is located in the middle of a shopping center at the 2000 block of Freedom Blvd at about 1:15 p.m. The suspects brandished semi-automatic handguns, forced employees and customers to comply with their demands and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Witnesses described the suspects as two males, possibly Hispanic or light-skinned African American. Both were wearing dark "hoodie" pull-over sweatshirts and as they left the scene, one suspect fired a round back into the credit union. No one was injured.

Witnesses observed a late model, Black Nissan Altima leaving the scene.

This investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI and Watsonville Police Department. Anybody with information as to the identity or whereabouts of these suspects is urged to call 911. These suspects should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

The FBI can be reached 24 hours a day at 415-553-7400. All calls are confidential. The Watsonville Police Department Tip Line is 831-768-3354 or the Watsonville Police Investigations Bureau can be reached at 831-768-3350.

Bank surveillance photos are available and attached to this press release.

Members of the media should call Public Affairs Specialist Julianne Sohn, FBI San Francisco at 415-553-7450.

* A reward is paid for original information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of a criminal suspect. Bay Federal Credit Union (BFCU), in its sole discretion, will decide who is entitled to a reward and in what amount. BFCU may pay only a portion of the maximum reward offered, up to $5,000. The decision will be based primarily upon law enforcement's evaluation of the value of the information provided. When there are multiple claimants, the reward will be shared in amounts determined by BFCU. BFCU associates are not eligible for the reward. This reward offer is good for one year from the date it is first offered, unless extended by BFCU.