Authorities are asking for help Wednesday in solving a string of 11 South Bay bank heists connected to a robber who expresses urgency and, in at least one case, remorse.
The "Make It Quick" bandit, so called because he urges bank employees to quickly hand over cash, most recently robbed a a U.S. Bank branch May 25 in a San Pedro Vons supermarket. All of the robberies, dating back to 2009, have been at U.S. Bank branches in the South Bay area.
At Wednesday's news conference, scheduled for 2 p.m., authorities are expected to ask for help in the investigation. U.S. Bank announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the cases, some of which occurred multiple times at the same location.
Bank Heist Locations:
- Jan. 4, 2009: U.S. Bank, 1221 S. Gaffey, San Pedro
- June 25, 2011: U.S. Bank, 1221 S. Gaffey, San Pedro
- Sept. 21, 2011: U.S. Bank, 500 E. Manchester, Inglewood
- Oct. 26, 2011: U.S. Bank, 200 E. Sepulveda Blvd., Carson
- Nov. 13, 2011: U.S. Bank, 500 E. Manchester, Inglewood
- Dec. 21, 2011: U.S. Bank, 1260 W. Redondo Beach, Gardena
- June 30, 2012: U.S. Bank, 1260 W. Redondo Beach, Gardena
- July 14, 2012: U.S. Bank, 1770 W. Carson, Torrance
- Aug. 24, 2012: U.S. Bank, 1260 W. Redondo Beach, Gardena
- May 17: U.S. Bank, 1260 W. Redondo Beach, Gardena
- May 25: U.S. Bank, 1221 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro
During the May 17 robbery in Gardena, the robber handed the teller a note demanding cash, then apologized after taking the money, according to investigators.
The subject, who has been captured on surveillance video, has dark hair, possibly thinning on top, and a goatee, according to the FBI. Surveillance images show the man wearing sunglasses.
The man has targeted several bank locations inside supermarkets. He usually walks around the store, up and down aisles, before approaching the bank kiosk.
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Photo Credit: FBI