SURVEILLANCE PHOTO: 'Scanner Bandit' strikes in Torrance
A man believed to be the so-called "Scanner Bandit" robbed a Bank of America branch Tuesday in downtown Torrance, the FBI said.The man walked up to a teller, claimed to have a bomb, and demanded money during the 3:35 p.m. crime at 1255 Sartori Ave., police said.
The man, who fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash, carried what appeared to be a police scanner, the FBI said.
He has been linked to bank robberies this month in Whittier and Norwalk.
The crimes were similar.
"He threatens to have an explosive device, which he partially conceals inside a black folder," FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. "In addition, he carries a device which has been described as a police scanner."
The man was described as white, 40 to 50 years old, about 170 pounds, 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 7 inches tall. He wore a raincoat and a dark beanie.
Anyone with information should contact the FBI at 888-CANT-HIDE or Torrance police at 310-328-3456
About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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