The FBI Friday circulated surveillance camera images of a man dubbed the “Skipper Bandit” who has robbed or attempted to rob six banks since July 2015, mainly in the San Fernando Valley.
The suspect most recently attempted a robbery about 3 p.m. on July 14 at a Citibank branch in North Hollywood, according to the FBI’s Laura Eimiller, who said the man’s modus operandi is to pass a note to a teller demanding cash.
His nickname is “based on the fisherman-style hat worn in several robberies to which he’s been linked,” Eimiller said.
“Investigators believe he may rob again if he is not apprehended,” Eimiller said.
In addition to the July heist, the suspect is also wanted in connection with robberies or attempted robberies at:
–a Bank of America branch in Canoga Park at 3:20 on Aug. 27, 2015;
–a Wells Fargo branch in Los Angeles at 2:50 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2015;
–a Wells Fargo branch in Toluca Lake at 4:10 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2015;
–a Bank of America branch in North Hollywood at 5:15 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2015; and
–a Chase branch in Tarzana at 2:55 p.m. on Nov. 12, 2015.
The man is described as white, 47 to 53 years old, 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, 250 pounds with a heavy build, light complexion and a round, unshaven face. He has worn a polo shirt, fisherman-style or wide-brimmed had and dark sunglasses.
He spoke with a possibly Spanish or Middle Eastern accent.
Anyone with information about the so-called Skipper Bandit was urged to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office 24 hours a day at (888) CANT-HIDE.
–City News Service