Sunday, August 21, 2011

Tri-Cities Bandit Now Linked to Nine Bank Robberies in Eight Cities

The FBI and law enforcement in various cities are seeking the public’s assistance with information leading to the identity of the Tri-Cities Bandit, an unidentified male robber previously wanted for three bank robberies, but now linked to at least nine, in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. The bandit is described as an Hispanic male between the ages of 30-40; 5’5”-5’8” in height; between 150-160 lbs.; thin build; short, dark hair; and a goatee.

During the robberies, the Tri-Cities Bandit enters the bank and approaches the teller with a note demanding money in large denominations. Victims have stated that the bandit keeps conversation to a minimum during the robberies. The suspect was named “Tri-Cities Bandit” after he was linked to bank robberies in the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena. He is currently wanted for six additional robberies, including two that occurred yesterday afternoon in the cities of Pasadena and La Verne.

The suspect can be seen in bank surveillance photographs being released to the media. Initially, the suspect did not wear sunglasses; however, is seen wearing them in recent robberies. The Tri-Cities Bandit dresses casually during the robberies, at times with buttoned-down shirts or jersey-style t-shirts.

In the most recent robbery in the city of LaVerne, the Tri-Cities Bandit was seen leaving the bank in a white vehicle driven by another individual, who was not further described. The car, which may have been bearing dealer plates, was described as possibly a late model, four-door Volkswagen Passat-style vehicle. Witness accounts indicate the driver of the vehicle may have sustained damage to the right rear tire and/or may be missing a hubcap.

The Tri-Cities Bandit has been linked to the following bank robberies:

6/13/2011 Citbank 360 E. Magnolia Blvd. Burbank
7/19/2011 Wells Fargo 82 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena
7/20/2011 Wells Fargo 535 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale
8/11/2011 EastWest 18321 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana
8/12/2011 Grandpoint 11661 San Vicente Blvd. Brentwood
8/15/2011 OneWest 3410 Grand Ave.. Chino Hills
8/16/2011 B of A 3442 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles
8/17/2011 BOTW 2500 E. Colorado Blvd Pasadena
8/17/2011 U.S. Bank 1900 E. Foothill Blvd La Verne

Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of the Tri-Cities Bandit is urged to contact the FBI or dial 911 immediately. In Los Angeles, the FBI can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 888 CANT HIDE (888 226-8443).

Please visit www.labankrobbers.org for additional information about bank robbery suspects in the greater Los Angeles area.

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