Pair Accused In Robbery Attempt At Milpitas Bank: Police

MILPITAS, CA — Two suspects accused in a spree of bank robberies were arrested this month after investigators identified them as the suspects in a February robbery in San Jose, officials said Wednesday.

According to police, the investigation began when a man visited a bank on West Capitol Expressway on Feb. 12 and passed a note to the bank teller demanding money. Police said the man escaped on foot with more than $1,000.

Robbery detectives took over the investigation and identified the primary suspect as Brandon Lopez, 37, of Antioch. While investigating the case, detectives said they determined Lopez was linked to at least five other robberies in Northern California, including successful robberies in Modesto, Fremont and Sacramento, and robbery attempts in Milpitas and Sacramento.

In each case, police allege Lopez gave bank tellers a similar note demanding money.

The investigation also revealed a suspected getaway driver linked to the six robberies, who police identified Wednesday as Tamara Bush, 43, of Antioch.

Police served a warrant at Lopez's Antioch home last week and took both suspects into custody. Investigators said a search of the home revealed an unregistered, loaded Glock handgun and ammunition.

Lopez and Bush were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of multiple robberies and are awaiting additional charges filed by other counties.