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Tustin Police Looking To Nab 'Wrong Way' Bank Robber

TUSTIN (CBS) —  Tustin police Friday released surveillance video of a serial bank robber they have dubbed the "Wrong Way" bandit.

"Wrong Way" is suspected of robbing at least six banks in Orange County since summer 2011.

Officials believe the suspect most recently struck about 10:40 a.m., Dec. 30, at the Nu Vision Credit Union at 2701 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, according to Costa Mesa police. The suspect showed a teller the gun and demanded cash.

The suspect is a Latino man, 30 to 40 years old, 5-foot-9, about 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

He is suspected of also robbing a U.S. Bank branch in Tustin on Aug. 18, a Centennial Bank branch in Fountain Valley on Sept. 26, a Bank of the West branch in Garden Grove on Sept. 27, a First Bank branch in Costa Mesa on Nov. 4, and a Bank of the West branch in Garden Grove on Dec. 2.

According to the Orange County Register, "Wrong Way," got his nickname when, during one of his robberies, he headed towards one exit and at the last minute, changed his mind, and darted toward another exit on the opposite side of the bank.

Police asked anyone with information to call Costa Mesa Detective Kevin Condon at (714) 754-5361 or Sgt. Ed Everett at (714) 754-5395.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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