Feds Seek Valley Bank Bandits

Police need the public's help identifying suspects wanted in two separate series of bank robberies in the San Fernando Valley and Foothills areas.

The so-called "Valley Bandit" is wanted in a string of robberies during which he pointed a weapon at bank employees, according to Laura Eimiller of the FBI.

The robberies were reported at a Chase bank branch at 911 Corbin Ave. in Northridge July 24; a Chase bank branch at 17900 Chatsworth St. in Granada Hills July 15; a Bank of America branch at 20118 Roscoe Blvd. in Winnetka June 28; a Chase bank branch at 9154 Sepulveda Blvd. in North Hills June 14; and a Bank of America branch at 8720 Balboa Blvd. in Northridge Dec. 18.

The Valley Bandit has been described as Hispanic or Middle Eastern in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing 180 to 200 pounds. During one of the robberies he was seen getting into a white vehicle, possibly a Mercedes SUV.

The so-called "Foothills Bandit" entered banks and displayed a device with various wires, tubes and blinking lights, calling the device a bomb as he demanded cash, Eimiller said.

The robberies were reported at a Wells Fargo bank branch located at 9635 E. Las Tunas Drive in Temple City June 6, at a Citibank branch located at 100 S. First St. in Arcadia June 3, and at a Union Bank branch located at 601 W. Route 66 in Glendora May 28.

The Foothills Bandit was described as white, about 23 to 30 years old, standing 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 150 to 160 pounds.

Authorities urged anyone with information regarding either suspect to contact authorities immediately.

--City News Service