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Public's Help Sought In Identifying So-Called 'Desperate Bandit'

CORONA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities on Friday asked for the public's help in identifying the "Desperate Bandit" suspected in at least seven Southern California bank hold-ups.

The FBI said in a department statement that the robbery spree began in early August.

In a number of the reported robberies, the suspect has apparently handed over typed notes in which he describes his financial situation as "desperate," hence the moniker.

The man is described as 5-feet, 9-inches to about 6-feet tall and in his late 40s to 50s.

He weighs approximately 200 pounds with brown and gray hair. His usual attire includes a baseball cap, cargo shorts and tennis shoes.

"The suspect is seen during the robberies carrying a dark merchant bag and has also used a disguise during some of the robberies, including a wig, moustache or eyeglasses," said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller in a statement.

So far, the man is suspected of robbing banks in Chino, Fullerton, Anaheim, Tustin, Corona, Placentia and La Habra.

The "Desperate Bandit" has not yet produced a weapon, authorities said.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency.

(©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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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