East County Bank Of The West Robbed

LA MESA, CA — A man suspected of robbing an East County bank was arrested following a brief foot pursuit.

The man simulated that he had a gun and demanded money from several tellers around 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Bank of the West branch at 8690 Center Drive in La Mesa, according to the La Mesa Police Department.

After the tellers gave the robber an undisclosed amount of money, he left the bank and walked toward Grossmont Center, La Mesa police Lt. Katy Lynch said.

Officers found the suspect, with help from witnesses, near the Target at the shopping center.

"The subject fled on foot and officers took him into custody near the Chuze Fitness after a brief foot pursuit," Lynch said. "The money taken during the robbery was recovered."

The suspect was identified as Asim Shakir Daniels, 36, of Brawley. He was booked on suspicion of robbery into San Diego Central Jail.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-TIPS or sdcrimestoppers.com.