Suspects in 24 LA Bank Robbers Increasingly Menacing

LOS ANGELES, CA - Authorities on Friday sought public help identify three men suspected of robbing at least two dozen Southland banks since November.

"They demand money and claim to be armed while threatening violence if their demands are not met," a Los Angeles Police Department statement said.

"In recent robberies, the suspects have become increasingly brazen and have jumped over the teller's counter," police said. "Law enforcement is greatly concerned that the level of aggression the suspects are displaying is increasing as the bank robberies continue."

Security video was released of the suspects robbing the Cathay Bank in Artesia in April.

The wanted men were described as black and about 25-30 years of age. Two of them are between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 170 to 190 pounds. The third suspect is between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 140 to 160 pounds.

"All the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous," police said.

The investigation was being conducted by personnel from the LAPD; the Federal Bureau of Investigations; the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; and the Alhambra, Pasadena, and Long Beach police departments.

Anyone with information about the case was urged to call the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division at (213) 486-6890; (877) LAPD-247; or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of the LAPD