'Explosives Threat Bandit' sought for bank heists in West Covina, West Hollywood

WEST COVINA - Authorities are asking for the public's help in tracking down the man who robbed banks in West Covina and West Hollywood then left devices meant to look like bombs.

He claimed an accomplice outside the bank would detonate the devices which officials said were made up of electronic components and wiring. Dubbed by the FBI as the "Explosives Threat Bandit", the suspect demanded money from tellers and also presented a note. He demanded as much as $20,000.

He first struck at the Bank of America, 2901 Eastland Center Drive in West Covina on Nov. 15 wearing a suit and tie. He told a teller he had a bomb.

On Nov. 28, the bandit robbed the Bank of America at 8655 Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a baseball cap.

FBI officials said the notes indicated the suspect had a friend outside the bank monitoring a police frequency and that he would make a call to advise the friend to "press a button."

One note even said that once the friend was contacted, the "establishment will not exist."

The suspect was described as a white man, 35-45, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall and weighing 175 to 190 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-888-226-8443. Anonymous tipsters can call LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, text the letters TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

- From Staff Writer Ruby Gonzales

*SURVEILLANCE photo courtesy of the FBI