Law Enforcement in Three Counties Seeks Luger Bandit in Connection with Violent Takeover-Style Bank Robberies
| FBI Los Angeles June 14, 2013 |
Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties are seeking the public’s assistance in order to identify and determine the whereabouts of a bank robber linked to four bank robberies and one attempted incident since early 2013. Bank of America and Wells Fargo are offering a combined reward of up to $15,000 (specific criteria for each bank reward offer applies) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
The suspect was described by witnesses as a white or Hispanic male, approximately 30-40 years in age, between 5’8” and 6’0” in height, and approximately 200 lbs.
During each robbery, the suspect orders employees and customers to the ground, brandishes a weapon, and demands cash in various denominations. The suspect’s weapon has been described as silver in color and resembling a German Luger-style weapon.
Witnesses have described the suspect’s vehicle as a charcoal gray BMW 3-series with a sports package.
The suspect can be seen in bank surveillance photos wearing pullover sweatshirts with hoods and jeans, as well as a facemask, sunglasses, and black gloves to conceal his appearance. The suspect is also carrying a black bag with a strap during the robberies.
The Luger Bandit has been linked to the following robberies:
- January 3, 2013: Wells Fargo Granada Hills
- February 18, 2013: Wells Fargo Fontana
- March 8, 2013: Wells Fargo San Dimas (Attempt)
- Mach 12, 2013: Chase Bank Mira Loma
- June 4, 2013: Bank of America Corona
Bank surveillance photographs are being released publicly, including at the end of this press release, in order to identify the suspect. Anyone with information as to the identity or the whereabouts of the unidentified suspect known as the Luger Bandit is urged to contact the FBI or dial 911. In Los Angeles, the FBI can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-888-CANT-HIDE (888-226-8443).
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Fontana Police Department; Corona Police Department; and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Media Contact:
FBI Los Angeles, 310-996-3343