FBI Searching for 'Palm Tree Bandits' Armed and Dangerous

ARCADIA, CA—Investigators sought tips on Friday that could lead to two bank robbers dubbed the "Palm Tree Bandits." Their name, taken from the pattern on the hats they wore while robbing banks in Santa Monica, San Marino and Arcadia, and every robbery has taken place at gunpoint.

The suspects, who are considered armed and dangerous, robbed a Bank of California branch at 2635 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica on July 18, a One West Bank office at 900 Huntington Drive in San Marino on July 28 and a First Bank at 848 West Duarte Road in Arcadia on Thursday, Aug. 4 according to the FBI.

"At least one suspect brandishes a handgun during the robberies," according to an FBI statement.

In all three cases, the suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Both men, whose images were captured on surveillance video, are black and between 20 and 30 years old. One is about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin build and the other is described as heavy-set.

Both wore baseball caps with logos on them that witnesses described as palm trees, according to the FBI.

Anyone with information about the so-called "Palm Tree Bandits" was urged to call 911, local law enforcement or the FBI, which can be reached at (310) 477-6565.