Boom Boom Bandit and Purse Packing Bandit Wanted for Multiple Bank Robberies in Los Angeles

Federal and local law enforcement in Los Angeles are seeking information from the public that leads to the identity of two unidentified suspects wanted for two separate series of bank robberies that appear to be unrelated. The suspects were given monikers of “Boom Boom Bandit” and “Purse Packing Bandit” to assist law enforcement responding to the banks with information about active bank robbery suspects. Bandit names are generated based on witness descriptions of the appearance or behavior of a suspect during the initial robberies to which they are linked.

Boom Boom Bandit

During the robberies linked to the Boom Boom Bandit, the suspect uses a written note demanding cash that also provides an assortment of instructions for the victim teller. Witnesses have described the suspect as a white male, 6’1” to 6’3” tall, 180 to 220 pounds, 35 to 40 years of age, with brown hair that may be a wig. In a bank surveillance photo being released to the media, the Boom Boom Bandit can be seen displaying a device in a bag described by witnesses as red flares wrapped in tape with wires attached. The barrel of a handgun was also seen inside the bag presented to the victim teller. The demand note stated, in part, “no drama, no boom boom,” which appears to suggest that an explosive device would be detonated if the victim did not comply with the suspect’s demand. The suspect took the device with him as he exited the banks. The Boom Boom Bandit is wanted for a bank robbery and an attempted bank robbery on February 12, 2013, at the following locations:

• Chase Bank 12335 Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles
• Bank of America 11501 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles

Photo of the Boom Boom Bandit:

Purse Packing Bandit

During the robberies linked to the Purse Packing Bandit, the suspect approaches the victim teller carrying a purse in which she advises the teller there is a gun. The Purse Packing Bandit passes a note to the victim teller demanding specific amounts of cash. The Purse Packing Bandit is seen in bank surveillance photos with various hairstyles, possibly wigs, and, in some cases, sunglasses. The Purse Packing Bandit is described as a black female, 5’2” to 5’4” tall, 120 to 140 pounds, and 35 to 45 years of age. The Purse Packing Bandit has been linked to the following robberies:

• October 20, 2012: Citibank 8900 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood
• November 14, 2012: Chase Bank 310 N. Fairfax Blvd. in Los Angeles
• December 20, 2012: Bank of America 8025 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood
• December 24, 2012: Chase Bank 3738 Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles

Photos of the Purse Packing Bandit:

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of either suspect is urged to contact their nearest FBI office or dial 911.

The FBI is conducting these investigations jointly with the Los Angeles Police Department. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is also jointly investigating the case of the Purse Packing Bandit.

Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.