Authorities Need Help Identifying Serial Bank Robbery Suspect

FBI LA
Photo credit FBI LA

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles police, the FBI and the county sheriff's department Wednesday sought the public's help in identifying a serial bank robbery suspect who has struck five times in Los Angeles and West Hollywood.

The robbery spree began on Nov. 22 and continued through Monday, when the suspect robbed three banks in a row on Santa Monica and Sunset boulevards in Hollywood, according to the Los Angeles Police Department and FBI.

The 20K Bandit has been linked to 5 LA bank robberies since 11/22, including 3 in a row on 12/16 on Santa Monica & Sunset Blvds. He passes a note & threatens that victims who don't comply will be shot. If you have a tip, please call the #FBI, @LAPDHQ or @LASDHQ #WantedWednesday pic.twitter.com/nNwgDQO5fM

— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) December 19, 2019

The suspect typically approaches a teller window and passes a note with a threat to shoot everyone in the bank unless he is given money.

The bandit, who appears to be an adult, is described as black, about 6 feet tall, weighing 170-200 pounds, with black hair and a beard. He is known to wear dark clothing and sunglasses.

 Anyone with information that could help investigators identify and locate the suspect was urged to call 213-486-6840 to speak with Detective Freddy Arroyo or Detective Daniel Jaramillo of the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division.

After hours or on weekends, calls should be made to 877-LAPD-24-7.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.