FBI Steps Up Search For Lake Elsinore Bank Robber

The FBI has ramped up its search for the “Puffy Coat Bandit” and has continued on a Southern California bank robbery spree.

The FBI and its law enforcement partners are seeking the public’s assistance to find the suspect -- or suspects -- linked to a series of seven bank robberies committed in Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties over the past three weeks:

• 12/20/2011 - US Bank, 1281 Central, Chino
• 12/22/2011 - Premier Services, 102 E. 6th St, Corona
• 12/30/2011 - Union Bank, 601 W. Rt 66, Glendora
• 01/03/2012 - Chase Bank, 11900 South St, Cerritos
• 01/07/2012 - US Bank, 1281 Central, Chino
• 01/09/2012 - Comerica Bank, 12035 Foothill, Rancho Cucamonga

The “Puffy Coat Bandit” was nicknamed based on the ski-style jacket worn during the Dec. 20 US Bank robbery. In subsequent robberies, the bandit wore a similar jacket, but in others is seen wearing a thick plaid jacket, the FBI reported. In all of the robberies, the bandit is seen wearing either a baseball cap or a beanie-style knit hat.

between 6’1” to 6’4” in height, with a thin to medium build, the FBI reported. The bandit is believed to be between 30 and 40 years of age.

According to the FBI, witnesses have reported that the Puffy Coat Bandit enters the bank, presents a note demanding cash, and simulates a weapon he indicates is concealed under his jacket.

In the Dec. 22 and Dec. 30 robberies, witnesses described the possible getaway vehicles used by the Puffy Coat Bandit as a gold or copper-colored Ford Taurus and a Black Oldsmobile Alero with a spoiler. Witnesses have also described a male getaway driver in addition to the suspect who enters the bank. Investigators believe it’s possible that two male suspects are involved in the Puffy Coat robbery series, the FBI stated.

Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the suspects seen in bank surveillance photographs may be different individuals with a similar appearance who alternate between robbing the bank and driving the getaway vehicle, the FBI stated.

Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of the suspect(s) is urged to contact the FBI or dial 911 immediately. In Los Angeles, the FBI can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 888 CANT HIDE (888 226-8443).