Geezer Bandit May Be Tagged by Dye Pack: FBI
The Geezer Bandit has been linked to 16 robberies in California
The FBI says the stain from the dye pack got all over the Geezer Bandit's upper torso and face. Tony Shin reports.
FBI agents in San Diego believe the elusive bank robber known as the "Geezer Bandit" may be easier to spot because of red stains on his skin.
Interactive Map: "Geezer Bandit" Robbery Locations
The man believed to be responsible for 16 robberies throughout California struck again Friday at a Bank of American in San Luis Obispo.
This time however, things didn't go smoothly for the Geezer Bandit.
That's because a security device called a dye pack exploded inside the bag of money. It's basically just a thin square package hidden inside a stack of bills.
When a dye pack explodes, it sprays a red chemical in all directions, staining everything it touches.
Once the robber leaves the bank, a sensor triggers it, creating a chemical reaction that can burn the skin.
"When he gets about 30 yards away from the bank, you'll see a puff of red smoke," said Special Agent Darrell Foxworth while looking at surveillance video of Friday's robbery.
The stain got all over the Geezer bandit's upper torso and face, said Foxworth.
"It may take a while for that stain to come off," he said. "People need to pay attention to that."
Also, the robber left behind a day planner that the Geezer Bandit often carries in his bank robberies.
He dropped it after the dye-pack explosion. The ledger is now being tested for fingerprints and DNA.
"We'll try to exploit all the forensic capabilities that we have in further chance of identifying the suspect here," Foxworth said.
Of course, because the Geezer Bandit could be wearing a mask and gloves that look like human hands, as has been speculated in the past, there is a good chance the dye pack didn't stain his skin.
One witness reported the robbery suspect in San Luis Obispo took off in a white 5 series BMW at a high rate of speed according to officials.
The FBI is now analyzing the surveillance video for clues.
The Geezer Bandit has been linked to 16 robberies in California, most of them happened in San Diego County. There is a $20,000 reward for his capture and conviction.
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