Seeking Public’s Assistance in “Hazmat Bandit” Robbery

The Orange County Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an armed bank robber known to law enforcement as the “Hazmat Bandit,” an unidentified white male who has been linked to the following two bank robberies in the past month:

• Wachovia 3/17 - Laguna Niguel
• Wachovia 4/10 - Lake Forest

Wachovia Bank (Wells Fargo Company) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for original information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of The Hazmat Bandit, a bank robber whose clothing was described as similar to that worn by individuals who work with hazardous materials.  After the first robbery, other witnesses described the bandit as wearing a white painter’s jumpsuit, a white hat, boots and sunglasses.  He was further described as a white male in his fifties, with long blonde hair which may have been a wig, and with a height of approximately 6’ - 6’2”.  During this robbery, the Hazmat Bandit entered the bank and declared, “I’m here to do some painting,” then proceeded to shout demands to victim employees and customers including, “This is a holdup...you have 30 seconds..hands up...get on the ground.”  Witnesses told investigators the bandit brandished a nickel-plated revolver and carried a dark blue cloth bag.

During the second robbery, the bandit was similarly described as a white male with a heavy build, wearing a painter’s suit and hat, with long, stringy, blondish-graying hair and a moustache.  Witnesses said the bandit carried a revolver during this robbery also, as well as a tan bag.  During the Lake Forest robbery, the Hazmat Bandit was described as saying, “This is a robbery, hands up, lay down on ground.”  Prior to exiting the bank, the bandit said, “Have a nice day.”

This case is being investigated by the Orange County Bank Robbery Task Force, made up of FBI agents and Orange County Sheriff’s Detectives.

Bank surveillance photographs are being distributed to the media and are below.  Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI’s 24-hour desk at 888 CANT HIDE (888 226-8443).  Additional information about bank robbers in the Los Angeles area can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.

The reward offered by Wachovia bank is paid in accordance with the following terms:

Wachovia Bank (Wells Fargo Company) Reward Information:

“A reward is paid for original information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of a criminal suspect.  Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company, in its sole discretion, will decide who is entitled to a reward and in what amount.  Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company, may pay only a portion of the maximum reward offered.  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 Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company.  Wachovia and Wells Fargo team members are not eligible for the reward.  This reward offer is good for one year from the date it is first offered, unless extended by Wells Fargo.”

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