Prolific bank robbery suspect named

The FBI is seeking a man suspected of robbing and attempting to rob 17 Southland banks in four weeks, including one in Covina, authorities said.
Brian Keith Robinson, 49, is being sought in connection with the robberies and is suspected of being the prolific "Salt & Pepper Bandit," who earned his moniker because of his white and gray hair, FBI officials said in a written statement.
"During the robberies, the bandit threatens to start shooting if the victim tellers do not comply with his demands for cash," the statement said.
In addition to verbal demands, the robber also uses a a note to demand money, officials said.
The robber has struck banks in Covina, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Encino, Seal Beach, Beverly Hills, Glendale, West Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach and Beverlywood since Jan. 5, officials said.
On Tuesday in Los Angeles, the robber entered the bank but quickly fled after he was recognized by a bank employee, Eimiller said.
In some of the robberies, the suspect escaped with cash, while in others, such as the Covina crime, he left empty-handed.
In Covina, the robber showed up at the Citibank, 200 N. Citrus Avenue, on Jan. 16, Covina police Lt. John Curley said.
During the failed heist, the robber apparently became alarmed by something and fled without receiving any loot, Curley said.
Hours later, he carried out a successful robbery at a Los Angeles Bank, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
The Salt & Pepper Bandit is described as a black man, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds, FBI officials said.
He's been seen driving a gold-colored, mid-1990s-model, 4-door Toyota Corolla, officials added.
A reward is being offered in exchange for information leading to the arrest of the Salt & Pepper Bandit, authorities said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office at (888) 226-8443.
*Photo courtesy of the FBI.