Shotgun-Toting Bank Robber Arrested: San Leandro Police

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro Police say a shotgun-toting bank robber who wore a gorilla mask during the heist is behind bars because of a license plate reader installed on a police car, and the follow-up work of detectives. Rodeo resident Jose Rodriguez-Montano, 50, was booked into Santa Rita jail on a $470,000 bond.

The bank robbery happened on Jan. 7. Rodriguez-Montano was arrested on Jan. 14.

Police say that a bank robber wearing a gorilla mask and carrying a black tennis bag with a shotgun inside robbed the Comerica Bank branch in the 1300 block of East 14th Street. The robber demanded money from a teller but did not brandish the shotgun.

As he fled the bank, he dropped the shotgun on the sidewalk, police say. He picked it up, hopped into a getaway car and drove off.

Detectives checked surveillance video that showed the getaway car drive past an officer responding to the robbery. That police car was equipped with a license plate reader, which led them to Rodriguez-Montano.

The bank robbery remains under investigation. If you have any information for detectives, call 510-577-2740.

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