An AK-47-wielding bank robber accused of shooting a Chino police officer in February has been linked to a Wednesday afternoon heist in Idaho, the FBI announced Friday.
The so-called "AK-47" Bandit has also been linked to robberies in Seattle and Sacramento where he allegedly used an assault rifle, similar to an AK-47, with a sling and drum magazine to hold up banks, according to the FBI. A $50,000 reward has been offered in the case.
Described as a white man with a stocky build between 25 and 40 years old, the bandit's latest heist went down at the East Idaho Credit Union in Rexburg earlier this week.
Surveillance footage of the credit union shows the man brandishing an assault rifle and wearing a mask, black gloves, a black coat with a hood, and baggy Levi jeans. He entered the bank at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. After ordering employees into a vault, he was seen driving in a dark blue sedan on South Yellowstone Highway.
The Chino heist and shooting went down on Feb. 29 at the California Bank and Trust at 5455 Riverside Dr. When an officer attempted to nab the alleged robber, the man shot the officer, seriously wounding him.
During that robbery, the bandit was clad in body armor over a dark-colored collared short-sleeved shirt and blue pants with a ski mask covering his face.
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Before the Chino robbery, a 911 call was made by a man from a payphone near the California Bank and Trust, the FBI said. Investigators believe the "AK-47 Bandit" used that call to divert officers’ from the impending robbery.
He is considered heavily armed and dangerous. Law enforcement officials said anyone who may come into contact with the alleged robber is advised not to approach him.
Anyone with information about the robberies or the suspected bandit is asked to contact the nearest FBI office or call 911.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
