'Purse Packing Bandit' Sought In WeHo Bank Robberies
WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Authorities were asking for the public's help Monday in locating a woman suspected in four bank robberies, including two in West Hollywood.
During the robberies linked to the Purse Packing Bandit, the suspect approaches the victim bank teller carrying a purse in which she advises the teller there is a gun.
The Purse Packing Bandit passes a note to the victim teller demanding specific amounts of cash. The Purse Packing Bandit is seen in bank surveillance photos with various hairstyles, possibly wigs, and, in some cases, sunglasses.
The Purse Packing Bandit is described as a black female, 5'02" to 5'04," 120 to 140 lbs. and 35 to 45 years of age, and has been linked to the following robberies:
- 10/20/12 Citibank 8900 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood
- 11/14/12 Chase Bank 310 N. Fairfax Blvd. Los Angeles
- 12/20/12 Bank of America 8025 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood
- 12/24/12 Chase Bank 3738 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles
The suspect is described as black and about 35 to 45 years old, 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 120 to 140 pounds. She last struck at a Chase branch in the Crenshaw district on Christmas Eve.
The suspect has also been linked to robberies at Citibank and Bank of America branches in West Hollywood and a Chase branch in the Fairfax district.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of either suspect is urged to contact their nearest FBI office or dial 911. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, call "L.A. Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the L.A. Crime Stoppers website.
