South OC Man Accused Of Robbing Local Banks Arrested

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A Mission Viejo man was arrested in connection with several bank robberies this week, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said Monday.

Che Lewis, 30, was arrested prior for committing a bank robbery at the U.S. Bank in Anaheim, deputies said.

In July, Orange County sheriff's investigators began cases on two separate bank robberies that happened in Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. According to deputies, an additional bank robbery was reported on Aug. 8 in Ladera Ranch.

Based on evidence left at the scene, investigators found Lewis to be a suspect for each of the reported robberies, as well as an additional attempted bank robbery that occurred in Ladera Ranch Aug. 7.

Lewis was arrested on Aug. 23 while attempting another bank robbery in Anaheim, deputies said. He was booked into the Orange County Jail for attempted robbery while pending additional charges.

Investigators believe Lewis may be involved in more bank robberies throughout Orange County and the greater region.

Residents with information were asked to call the OCSD at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.