'Rolled Sleeves Bandit' Wanted In At Least 6 Beach City Bank Robberies
SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities asked for the public's help Wednesday in identifying a man who has been linked to half a dozen bank robberies in beach cities in Los Angeles and Orange County.
The "Rolled Sleeves Bandit" got his nickname after he was seen by witnesses and in bank surveillance photos with his shirt sleeves rolled up in the initial robberies, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. He has been linked to robberies in Hermosa Beach, Huntington Beach, Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica as far back as November.
Officials say the Rolled Sleeves Bandit pretends to be a signatory on what he says is his girlfriend's account, then asks the teller to verify information. Once the teller appears to be distracted, the robber gives the teller a note demanding cash, verbally demands cash and announces that he has a gun.
The man is described as a white, 5-foot-9 to 6 feet tall, about 230 pounds, 35 to 37 years old with a stocky build.
Anyone with information about the Rolled Sleeves Bandit can call the nearest FBI office or 911.