Crime & Safety
FBI Seeks 'Purse-Packing Bandit'
The search is on for a woman accused of robbing four banks in Weho and L.A.
A woman suspected in four bank robberies, including two in West Hollywood, remained at large, and authorities on Friday sought the public's help locating her.
The so-called "Purse-Packing Bandit" last struck at the Chase branch at 3738 Crenshaw Blvd. in the Crenshaw District on Christmas Eve, according to the FBI.
The suspect has also been linked to two robberies in West Hollywood—at the Citibank branch at 8900 Santa Monica Blvd. on Oct. 20 and the Bank of America branch at 8025 Santa Monica Blvd. Dec. 20—and the Chase branch at 310 N. Fairfax Ave. in the Fairfax district.
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She approaches the teller saying she has a gun in the purse she is carrying then passes a note to the teller demanding specific amounts of cash, said Laura Eimiller of the FBI.
"The 'Purse-Packing Bandit' is seen in bank surveillance photos with various hairstyles, possibly wigs, and, in some cases, sunglasses," Eimiller said.
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The woman is black and 35-45 years old. She is between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 120-140 pounds.
Authorities urged anyone with information about the identity or the whereabouts of this suspect to contact the nearest FBI office or call 911.