OC Police, FBI Search For Bank Robber Known As Cal Bear Bandit
ORANGE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities in Orange County are searching for a bank robber nicknamed the Cal Bear Bandit in connection with several robberies throughout the county.
The Cal Bear Bandit's most recent robbery happened on Oct. 17 at a Cathay Bank in Orange, according to FBI officials, but he has also been linked to robberies in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and San Juan Capistrano as far back as Aug. 20.
The bandit was given the nickname after he was seen wearing a California Republic baseball hat in several robberies. He is believed to have changed his method, FBI officials said, and has been seen wearing a hard hat and wearing clothes similar to a construction worker in the most recent robberies.
During the robberies, the Cal Bear Bandit tells the teller he would like to make a withdrawal, then passes a note to the victim demanding cash and threatening a weapon, authorities said. He has also threatened an explosive device, but no evidence of actual explosives have been found in subsequent investigations, officials said.
The Cal Bear Bandit is described as a white man in his 20s, about 5-foot-10 with a medium build. Witnesses and surveillance video show a small black vehicle as the getaway car.
Anyone with information about the identity of the Cal Bear Bandit can call their nearest FBI office or dial 911.
