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'Beachcomber Bandit' Wanted In Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County Bank Robberies

LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Federal officials asked for the public's help Thursday in capturing a bank robber known as the "Beachcomber Bandit."

The so-called Beachcomber Bandit, so named for targeting banks in beach cities, is wanted for armed bank robberies in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties committed earlier this year, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.

The robberies happened May 13 at a U.S. Bank in Long Beach and June 10 at a Rabo Bank in Grover Beach, Eimiller said.

During the robberies, authorities say the Beachcomber Bandit carried a black semi-automatic handgun, that witnesses described as possibly having a gun light attached under the slide, in the front of his waistband. Carrying a small piece of paper in his hand, the bank robber approaches the teller window and verbally demands all the money, along with the "big bills."

The Beachcomber Bandit was described as an Asian or Filipino man between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-9, 150 to 170 pounds, 35 to 45 years old, with a medium complexion, dark hair and a graying mustache. The robber typically wore a black leather jacket over gray sweatshirt with the hood pulled over a plain black baseball cap, officials said.

Anyone with information about the Beachcomber Bandit's identity can contact the nearest FBI office or dial 911.

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