Police In San Marino Believe They've Apprehended 'Bluto Bandit'
SAN MARINO (CBSLA.com) — Police in San Marino believe they have apprehended the "Bluto Bandit."
Bluto was wanted for at least a dozen bank robberies -- or attempted robberies -- stretching over four southland counties.
Police identified Bluto as Joseph Adel Noriega. 37, of Rancho Cucamonga.
Noriega was charged with bank robbery and attempted bank robbery in Beaumont, Chino, Fontana, Irvine, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Norco, Ontario, Pasadena, San Marino and South Pasadena.
The FBI tagged the bandit "Bluto" for a fake beard that they said made him look like Popeye's nemesis. They believed he started robbing banks this past June.
Officials got their first break in the case on Thursday.
They said Noriega attempted to rob Chase Bank (1305 Fair Oaks Avenue) in South Pasadena around 12:30 p.m. The suspect fled the bank without money but left behind a demand note. Authorities said in previous robberies the notes told tellers to remain calm and not trip security devices.
A bank employee saw the suspect get into a white four door sedan and flee south on Fair Oaks Avenue. South Pasadena Police were called and conducted a search for the suspect and vehicle, authorities said.
The San Marino Police Department and Pasadena Police Department's Air Support Division, were also notified and a suspect and vehicle description were broadcasted to their officers. A San Marino Police Officer saw a vehicle matching the description in the area of Huntington Drive and Bradbury Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but police said the suspect failed to yield. With the assistance of a Pasadena Police Department airship, a vehicle pursuit ensued. The suspect was taken into custody in Rosemead.
Noriega was still allegedly wearing the fake beard when he was apprehended.
The South Pasadena Police Department and the FBI are still investigating.
