Deputies Nab "Balding" Bank Robber

LOS ANGELES — One of the Southland's most recognizable outlaws has finally been caught.

Sheriff's detectives have arrested the suspected "Balding Bandit" serial bank robber wanted for three Southern California heists.

Steven Gary Platis, who got the nickname because of his receding hairline, was arrested early Monday at a high desert Hesperia home by Los Angeles County deputies.

Capt. Patrick Maxwell says he has been booked for investigation of three bank robbery counts and he's being held at the downtown Inmate Reception Center on $520,000 bail.

"When you have a serial bank robber they can escalate," Maxwell told reporters. "If someone's robbing a number of banks, are they supporting a drug habit? You get concerned if the same person is robbing three banks in the same area."

Arraignment is expected Wednesday in Downey.

The 44-year-old Platis was wanted for two Chase Bank heists and a Banco Popular robbery in La Mirada.

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