The FBI and Police in Los Angeles and Orange Counties Are Seeking the Public’s Assistance in Learning the Whereabouts of the Recently Identified “Scanner Bandit,” Linked to Fourth Robbery This Week
| FBI Los Angeles January 06, 2011 |
The FBI and detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Orange Police Department, Torrance Police Department and Whittier Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in finding bank robbery suspect Garry Allen Reeder, formerly known only as the “Scanner Bandit.” Previously, the FBI released bank surveillance photographs of the Scanner Bandit, a male suspect believed to be responsible for multiple bank robberies since December 15, 2010.
An investigation by detectives and agents has focused on a California man, Garry Allen Reeder, born on 1/8/1963. A warrant for Reeder, who is believed to have committed the robberies, has been issued by state officials. Reeder is white male and, according to his California license, he is 5’7”, 180 lbs., with blue eyes. Reeder may currently be wearing a beard.
Investigators believe Reeder may be residing in local hotels and that he has or will travel to other jurisdictions or out of state. Additionally, Reeder is believed to be robbing banks to support a gambling and/or drug addiction; or both.
Anyone with information as to Reeder’s location is urged to contact law enforcement immediately and warned to refrain from confronting Reeder, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The suspect was named 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 Scanner Bandit most recently robbed a bank in Orange, California, on Tuesday, January 4. After the robbery, police and explosives experts with the city of Orange, Orange County and the FBI responded when a suspected explosive device was left behind. The device was rendered safe.
The Scanner Bandit has been linked to the following four bank robberies:
| 1 | 1/4/2011 | Bank of America | Tustin Blvd. | Orange |
| 2 | 12/21/2010 | Bank of America | Sartori Ave. | Torrance |
| 3 | 12/18/2010 | U.S. Bank | E. Whittier Blvd. | Whittier |
| 4 | 12/15/2010 | U.S. Bank | Pioneer Blvd. | Norwalk |
Bank surveillance photographs from each robbery, as well as a photograph of Gary Reeder are available. Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of Gary Reeder 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
FBI: Laura Eimiller: 310 996-3343; or Lourdes Arocho (Spanish Speaker)
Orange Police Department: Sgt. Dan Adams: 714 715-4814
Torrance Police Department: 310 618-7131
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: Captain Michael Parker: 323 267-4800