Crime & Safety

Armed Suspect Flees Newport Bank On Bike With $8K

Do you know this man? Newport Beach police are seeking a suspect wanted for robbing an area bank, Thursday.

Suspect in Newport Beach Bank Robbery, March 8, 2019.
Suspect in Newport Beach Bank Robbery, March 8, 2019. (Newport Beach Police Photo)

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The Newport Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a bank robbery investigation.

"The crime occurred on March 7, 2019 at just after 3:45 p.m. at OneWest Bank," a department spokesperson said.

The suspect entered the bank and brandished a black semi­automatic handgun as he demanded money from the teller, NBPD information officer Heather Rangel said.

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There were no customers in the bank at the time and no report of any injuries. The bank reported a loss of $8,000.

OneWest Bank security cameras captured the attached photos at the time of the robbery.

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"The suspect may have stuffed a pillow inside his shirt to display a different body characteristic," Rangel said.

After committing the robbery, the suspect fled from the location on a black electric bicycle. The suspect is armed and dangerous; do not approach him if located.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect in the photo is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Fletcher at 949-644-3779.

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