Armed and Ready Bandit Linked to Three Bank Robberies in Santa Barbara Sought

An unidentified male bank robber linked to multiple robberies in Santa Barbara and known as the Armed and Ready Bandit is being sought by the FBI and the Santa Barbara Police Department. A reward is available in exchange for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

The same suspect is believed to be responsible for three bank robberies in the city of Santa Barbara between May 2010 and February 2012.

During the robberies, the suspect enters the bank in the morning hours wearing a ski mask. The suspect brandishes a handgun and conducts takeover-style robberies, in some cases, ordering employees or customers to the floor during the robbery. The suspect, who receives cash from multiple tellers, places the cash in what has been described as a black shoulder bag before exiting the bank. The suspect has been seen fleeing through the parking lot of the banks and, in one case, was observed removing his ski mask once outside the bank.

The following description of the Armed and Ready Bandit was obtained by witnesses to the robberies:

Sex: Male

Race: White

Age: 30-40

Height: 6’-6’4”

Weight: 190-250 lbs.

Build: Medium to heavy

Hair: Blonde or brown, short

Clothing: Black ski mask, long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt, shorts, white socks, white shoes, black gloves

Other: Black shoulder bag

Weapon: Black handgun

The following bank robberies have been linked to the Armed and Ready Bandit:

■5/24/10 - 9:45 a.m., Rabobank, 2222 Bath, Santa Barbara

■9/22/11 - 10:00 a.m., Rabobank, 2222 Bath, Santa Barbara

■2/14/12 - 9:45 a.m., Bank of the West, 1036 State, Santa Barbara

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact law enforcement. In Los Angeles and surrounding counties, including Santa Barbara, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day at 888 CANT HIDE (888 226-8443).

Bank surveillance photographs of the Armed and Ready Bandit are being provided to the media. Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.