Valley Bandit and Foothills Bandit Linked to String of Bank Robberies in Unrelated Cases

The FBI and law enforcement officers in multiple cities where the below-listed bank robberies have occurred are seeking information from the public that leads to the identity of unidentified male bank robbers wanted for two separate series of bank robberies. The suspects were given monikers of “Valley Bandit” and “Foothill Bandit” in order to link the robberies for law enforcement responding to banks in multiple cities. 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.

Valley Bandit

During the robberies linked to the “Valley Bandit,” the suspect threatens a weapon, typically described as a revolver. The suspect holds a gun near his waistband and has pointed the weapon at bank employees and customers, according to witnesses. Witnesses have described the suspect as an Hispanic or Middle Eastern male, between 5’09” to 6’0” in height, 180-200 lbs., and between 25-35 years old. During one of the robberies, the suspect was seen getting into a white vehicle, described as a Mercedes SUV. In bank surveillance photos, the suspect can be seen wearing a baseball hat. As his moniker indicates, the Valley Bandit has been linked to banks located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. The Valley Bandit has been linked to the following list of bank robberies, followed by bank surveillance photos:

• December 18, 2012: Bank of America 8720 Balboa Blvd. in Northridge
• June 14, 2013: Chase 9154 Sepulveda Blvd. in North Hills
• June 28, 2013: Bank of America 20118 Roscoe Blvd. in Winnetka
• July 15, 2013: Chase 17900 Chatsworth St. in Granada Hills
• July 24, 2013: Chase 9111 Corbin Ave. in Northridge

Foothills Bandit

During the robberies linked to the Foothills Bandit, the suspect enters the bank and displays a device with various wires, tubes, and blinking lights. The suspect has stated the device is a bomb as he demands cash. The Foothills Bandit has been described as a white male, 5’07” to 5’08” tall, 150 to 160 lbs., and approximately 23 to 30 years of age. The Foothills Bandit has been linked to the following list of bank robberies, followed by bank surveillance photos:

• May 28, 2013: Union Bank 601 W. Route 66 in Glendora
• June 3, 2013: Citibank 100 S. 1st St Arcadia in Los Angeles
• June 6, 2013: Wells Fargo 9635 E. Las Tunas Drive in Temple City

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

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