Hills Bandit strikes banks in La Jolla and Laguna Hills, FBI says
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The bank robber known as the Hills Bandit struck banks in La Jolla and Laguna Hills on Monday, the FBI said.
He is now suspected of nine robberies and attempted robberies in San Diego and Orange counties since May, the FBI said. Laguna Hills has been his favorite target, hence his nickname.
In both of Monday’s incidents, he wore a red Anaheim Angels baseball cap. In other robberies he has worn a San Diego Chargers or Titleist cap. Each time he has passed a demand note to a teller, claiming to have a weapon, but none was seen.
The Hills Bandit is described by witnesses as a white male, between 40 and 50 years old. Surveillance photos show him wearing glasses.
On Monday, he attempted to rob a Union Bank in La Jolla and then robbed a Wells Fargo Bank in Laguna Hills. Other robberies have occurred in San Diego, Laguna Niguel, Carlsbad, Lake Forest and three times in Laguna Hills.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at (858) 320-1800 or (310) 477-6565, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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