'Chubby Bandit' Getaway Driver Convicted of Robbery

The getaway driver in a series of robberies in San Diego County last October was convicted today of six counts of bank robbery and one count of robbing a pharmacy.

Vahid Edrisi, 44, of Oceanside, will be sentenced June 10 by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns.

Evidence presented at trial showed Edrisi made cell phone calls in the vicinity of six of the seven robberies committed by 27-year-old Aaron Hyman, dubbed the "Chubby Bandit."

Edrisi was captured by video surveillance just prior to one of the heists, and his black 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible was caught on video surveillance footage from three of the seven robberies.

Trial evidence also showed that Edrisi twice fled law enforcement at high speeds to avoid capture. Inside the car, which he abandoned following the second chase, officers found a hat worn during one of the seven "Chubby Bandit" robberies.

Edrisi was arrested when he went to a tow yard to try to retrieve his car.

Hyman, of Vista, pleaded guilty in January to seven counts of robbery and will be sentenced April 8.

—City News Service

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