Dennis RomeroThe scariest bank robber ever?
The FBI is turning up the heat on the so-called AK-47 Bandit, who has targeted, among other banks in the Western United States, a SoCal California Bank & Trust.
Not only that, but the AK isn't fake.
He pulled the trigger and injured a police officer, feds say:
That take-down happened way back on Feb. 29 at 10:52 in the morning in Chino. But since he's still on the loose and still allegedly robbing banks, the FBI wants to see him urgently.
In fact the bureau announced yesterday that it will help distribute up $100,000 in reward money for information leading to his capture and conviction.
In that SoCal robbery, authorities say, Mr. AK phoned in an authoritative and phony bomb threat to Chino police as a diversion.
According to the FBI:
Following the robbery, a police officer patrolling the area came upon the bank robbery suspect who was fleeing the bank. The suspect fired upon the officer and seriously wounded him. During and following the robbery, the suspect wore body armor over a dark-colored collared short-sleeved shirt and blue pants, as well as a ski mask covering his face.
Credit: Chino Police Department
Since then the bandit has continued a streak that includes a bank heist in Vacaville in March, an attempted robbery in Sacramento the same month, a takeover robbery in North Bend, Washington in July, and a credit union robbery in Rexburg, Idaho in November, the FBI says.
In one robbery he even reportedly aimed his rifle at a crying child.
The suspect is described as a stocky white man in his 30s who has driven a 2009 to 2011 Nissan Maxima.
Maybe know him? Get that cash: 1-855-9-BANDIT.
[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
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