A suspect armed with an AK-47 assault rifle wanted for the Feb. 29 California Bank & Trust robbery in Chino might also be responsible for heists this month in Vacaville and Sacramento, according to authorities.
"We don't know who he is. We don't know where he is from. We don't know where he is going but he obviously shows a pattern of continuing to rob banks," said FBI agent Don Roberts, adding that the suspect may strike again.
The "AK-47 Bandit" is acting alone, but is still armed and considered very dangerous, Roberts said.
"The last thing we want is a shoot out at a bank," he said. "We need to catch him before he kills someone."
The Chino robbery ended with an officer being shot and seriously wounded. Similarities in the suspect’s appearance, weapon and get away car lead police to believe the same man might be behind a March 12 Bank of the West robbery in Vacaville and the March 9 attempted robbery at the Tri Counties Bank in Sacramento.
In each case, the suspect was carrying an AK-47 assault rifle. He was dressed in tactical gear, a full-face ski mask and blue ballistic vest or green mesh vest marked "Sheriff."
The suspect is described as a white male, 25-40 years old, 5’10’’ and approximately 18-200 pounds.
In all three cases, the suspect left the scene in a dark grey, full-size sedan. The car is believed to be a Nissan Maxima with chrome trim and tinted windows.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest. Information can be provided anonymously.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call these phone numbers:
- Chino Police Department: 909-628-1234
- Los Angeles Field Office: 310-477-6565
- Sacramento Field Office: 916-481-9110
- Sacramento Police Department: 916-732-0100
- San Francisco Field Office: 415-553-7400
- Vacaville Police Department: 707-449-5200
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