FBI Seeks Help In Identifying The 'Keep Smiling Bandit'

TUSTIN (CBSLA.com) — The FBI sought the public's help Tuesday in identify a bank robber known as the "Keep Smiling Bandit".

The man is suspected of holding up a bank in Tustin Saturday and another bank in Costa Mesa last week.

During the initial robbery, "the suspect advised victims inside the bank to 'keep smiling' and was thereafter nicknamed the 'Keep Smiling Bandit'," FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller said.

In both incidents, he passed a note to the teller and verbally demanded cash.

No weapons have been seen, however, during Saturday's heist, the suspect's note read "keep your hands away from the alarm or I'll shoot," Eimiller added.

The "Keep Smiling Bandit" was described as a white man in his early 30s and approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. He as a thin build and weighs between 140 and 150 pounds.

The suspect was unshaven and wore eyeglasses and a baseball hat during each robbery.

Anyone with information should contact the FBI at (310)477-6565.