(Feb. 4, 2010) -- The FBI and LBPD say the suspect below -- considered armed and extremely dangerous -- robbed four ELB banks (listed below) plus one in nearby Los Alamitos and others in the region...and FBI/LBPD are seeking the public’s assistance in "learning the identity of the person/s responsible.
The FBI says in a release that the suspect(s) -- dubbed the "Sports Bike Bandit/s" -- are linked to the following ELB bank robberies...which began with an ELB bank robbery in summer 2008...and include the December 2009 robbery of the Los Altos CitiBank on Bellflower Blvd. (both previously reported by LBReport.com). The FBI lists the following bank robberies as linked to the bandit(s):
Bank of America 6351 East Spring Long Beach (July 25, 2008)
FBI released photo
First Bank, 6200 East PCH Long Beach (Oct. 28, 2008)
FBI released photo
Citibank 2250 N. Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach (Dec. 15, 2009)
FBI released photo
Cal National Bank 5767 Pacific Coast Hwy. Long Beach (Jan. 26, 2010)
FBI released photo
Also allegedly linked, FBI says:
Bank of America 880 East Colorado Pasadena (Attempt, Sept. 12, 2008)
Union Bank 20 Miraleste Plaza Rancho Palos Verdes (Jan. 12, 2009)
Bank of America 11262 Los Alamitos Blvd. Los Alamitos (Feb. 17, 2009)
The FBI release states: "The subject is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone who
believes they may come into contact with this individual is strongly urged to take no
independent action but to contact law enforcement immediately." It continues:
Investigators have not determined whether the bandit is committing the bank robberies
alone or with others, however, law enforcement used the moniker after the unidentified
male conducted a takeover-style bank robbery in 2008 wearing a black motorcycle helmet
and leather jacket, as well as a colored bandana and black sunglasses. In recent robberies,
the bandit’s helmet has been described as having black or orange, shiny tape on it...
During the robberies linked to this bandit, witnesses have indicated that a male
enters the bank alone and draws one or more weapons, described as either a
semi-automatic handgun or a revolver; the bandit has ordered customers and bank
employees to the floor in some cases. During one of the robberies, the bandit temporarily
took a hostage while waiting for tellers to comply with his demands. The bandit has been
described as having fled the bank on a sport-type motorcycle; last described as a red or
burgundy sport-bike, possibly a Honda.
During the first robbery in Long Beach on 07/25/2008, a male individual wearing a
black motorcycle helmet came into the bank with at least with one handgun and committed
a takeover-style bank robbery by indicating a robbery was taking place and ordering victims
to put their hands on the counter. After taking money from the bank, the robber fled the
scene on a sport type motorcycle with California plates that may have contained the letter
"J."
During the robberies, the bandit wears a leather jacket and leather gloves. The
bandit has been described by witnesses as nervous and as having his hand inside a black
duffle bag. Witnesses have stated the bandit has no accent, uses profanity and has pointed
his weapon/s at victims. Witnesses further described the bandit as follows:
Sex: Male
Race: White or Hispanic
Age: Between 30-40
Height: 5'5" to 5'8"
Weight: 150 to 160 lbs
Body Type: Small-Medium build
Voice: Deep; no accent
Helmet: Varied: Black or Dark Red/Orange Motorcycle
(May have black tape on colored helmet)
Complexion: Light skin
Shirt: Black jacket, possibly with half-moon back
Pants: Black
Gloves: Black
Other: Bandanas (Various colors)
Other: Possible body armor/black tape on clothing
Gun: Two seen; black semiautomatic handgun and revolver
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the Sport Bike
Bandits should contact the FBI or the Long Beach Police Department, or call 911.
The FBI in Los Angeles can be reached 24 hours a day at 1 888 CANT HIDE or 1 888
226-8443.
