Bandit Robs 3 Los Angeles Banks In 1 Day

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities Wednesday released security images of a serial bank robber, who hit three banks in a row Monday along Santa Monica and Sunset boulevards in Hollywood. The man, dubbed the 20K Bandit, terrorizes bank tellers by threatening to shoot everyone in the bank, according to the FBI.

Los Angeles police, the FBI and the county sheriff's department Wednesday sought the public's help in identifying the brazen bank robber, who has struck five times in Los Angeles and West Hollywood starting on Nov. 22. According to investigators, the suspect typically approaches a teller with a note threatening to kill everyone in the bank unless he is given money.

The bandit is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are asking anyone who recognizes him to call the police.

The bandit, who appears to be an adult, is described as black, about 6 feet tall, weighing 170-200 pounds, with black hair and a beard. He is known to wear dark clothing and sunglasses.

Anyone with information that could help investigators identify and locate the suspect was urged to call 213-486-6840 to speak with Detective Freddy Arroyo or Detective Daniel Jaramillo of the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division.

After hours or on weekends, calls should be made to 877-LAPD-24-7.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.