The FBI released photos Monday of the so-called "Luger Bandit," who is suspected in five bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery in Riverside, San Bernardino and L.A. counties over the past year.
The most recent bank robbery was reported Jan. 8 at the Wells Fargo at 11764 De Palma Road in Corona, where a suspect entered and demanded cash while brandishing a weapon, Laura Eimiller of the FBI in Los Angeles said in a statement.
The suspect was described by witnesses as a white or Hispanic male, 30 to 40 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds, according to the FBI.
"During each robbery, the suspect orders employees and customers to the ground, brandishes a weapon and demands cash in various denominations," Eimiller said. "The suspect's weapon has been described as silver in color and resembling a German Luger-style weapon."
In previous robberies, witnesses have described the suspect's vehicle as "a charcoal gray BMW, 3-series with a sports package," Eimiller said.
"The suspect can be seen in bank surveillance photos wearing pullover sweatshirts with hoods and jeans, as well as a facemask, sunglasses and black gloves to conceal his appearance," Eimiller said. "The suspect is also carrying a black bag with a strap during the robberies."
According to the FBI, the "Luger Bandit" has been linked to the following robberies:
1/3/13 Wells Fargo Granada Hills
2/18/13 Wells Fargo Fontana
3/8/13 Wells Fargo San Dimas (Attempt)
3/12/13 Chase Bank Mira Loma
6/4/13 Bank of America Corona
1/8/14 Wells Fargo Corona
The FBI is working the case with the Corona police, Fontana police, and the sheriff's departments in Riverside, San Bernardino and L.A. counties.
Anyone with more info about the identity or whereabouts of the unidentified suspect was urged to contact the FBI or dial 911. In Los Angeles, the FBI can be reached 24 hours a day at 1888 CANT HIDE (888 226-8443).
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