The FBI and Law Enforcement Officials in Los Angeles County are Seeking the Public’s Assistance in Identifying the “Scanner Bandit,” Linked to Three Robberies in Past Week

The FBI and detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Torrance Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance by asking for information leading to the identity or location of an unknown male suspect believed to be responsible for three bank robberies since December 15, who most recently was linked to a Torrance bank on Tuesday.

The suspect is known to law enforcement as the “Scanner Bandit,” based on witness descriptions that he carries a device in one hand, described as a police scanner. The Scanner Bandit also threatens to have an explosive device, which he partially conceals inside a black folder. The suspect has been described as a white male, described as between the ages of 40-50, 5’5”-5’7” in height, and 170 lbs., according to witnesses.

The Scanner Bandit has been linked to the following three bank robberies:

12/21/2010 - Bank of America, 1255 Sartori Ave., Torrance, CA

12/18/2010 - U.S. Bank, 13525 E. Whittier Blvd., Whittier, CA

12/15/2010 - U.S. Bank, 13928 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk, CA

Bank surveillance photographs from each robbery are available. Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts Scanner Bandit is urged contact the FBI or dial 911. 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.