Valley Bandit Linked to Eight Robberies Over Past Year in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley
FBI Los Angeles December 06, 2013 |
The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in learning the identity of a serial bank robber known as the Valley Bandit, an unidentified male suspect believed to be responsible for eight bank robberies in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County since December 2012.
During the robberies linked to the Valley Bandit, the suspect enters the bank and states that he needs to make a withdrawal prior to brandishing a weapon and verbally demanding cash in various denominations. The Valley Bandit wears a dark-colored baseball cap and dark clothing during his robberies, and victim witnesses typically describe his weapon as a revolver. In some cases, the suspect has aimed the weapon at employees or customers and has threatened to kill victims if the teller does not comply with his demands.
The Valley Bandit has been linked to multiple vehicles, including a white Mercedes Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a black Mercedes Benz sedan and may be working with a getaway driver, according to investigators.
The Valley Bandit is described as an Hispanic or Middle Eastern male with dark, unshaven facial hair. The suspect is further described as between 5’9” to 6’0” in height; between 180-200 pounds; and between 25-35 years of age.
The Valley Bandit has been linked to the following bank robberies:
Date | Bank | Location |
December 18, 2012 | Bank of America | Northridge |
June 14, 2013 | Chase | North Hills |
June 28, 2013 | Bank of America | Winnetka |
July 15, 2013 | Chase | Granada Hills |
July 24, 2013 | Chase | Northridge |
August 26, 2013 | Wells Fargo | Reseda |
September 28, 2013 | Chase | Sherman Oaks |
November 6, 2013 | Chase | Van Nuys |
December 4, 2013 | Wells Fargo | West Hills |
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact their nearest FBI, the LAPD, or dial 911. Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.