FBI: Notorious AK-47 Bandit Captured

CHINO (CBSLA.com) – A serial bank robber known as the AK-47 Bandit -- suspected of shooting and wounding a police officer in Chino in 2012 -- has been captured, federal authorities announced Tuesday.

The FBI reports that it arrested the suspect in the Montana town of Roundup Saturday during a federal raid. He was not immediately identified. A news conference was scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Chino Police Department.

The FBI has linked the suspect to at least three robberies in California, one in Idaho and another in Washington.

On Feb. 29, 2012, the so-called AK-47 bandit robbed the California Bank & Trust on 5455 Riverside Dr. in Chino, police said. The suspect was armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and wore body armor, as well as a ski mask.

While fleeing the scene, the suspect shot and seriously wounded a Chino police officer.

The AK-47 bandit was also possibly linked to a bank robbery in Sacramento Calif. on March 9, 2012, and three days later, in Vacaville, Calif., on March 12.

He has been similarly connected to additional heists in North Bend, Wash., on July 6, 2012, and in Rexburg, Idaho on Nov. 7, 2012.

In every case, the suspect carried a similar weapon and threatened bank employees before making his escape in a getaway car.