Law enforcement is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the bank robbers known to law enforcement as the “Palm Tree Bandits,” who are currently linked to three violent takeover robberies in the cities of Santa Monica, San Marino and Arcadia.
The suspects are described by witnesses as two black men between 20 and 30 years old. They were wearing hats that have been described by witnesses as incorporating a palm tree design, leading authorities to dub them the "Palm Tree Bandits."
One suspect is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin build and wearing a baseball hat. The other suspect is described as having a heavy build and also wearing a baseball hat.
The suspects are considered armed and dangerous. At least one suspect brandishes a handgun during the robberies. In all three robberies, the bandits fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The dates and locations are as follows: July 18 at Banc of California, 2635 Wilshire Blvd., in Santa Monica; July 28 at One West Bank, 900 Huntington Dr., in San Marino; and Aug. 4 at First Bank, 848 W. Duarte Rd., in Arcadia.
The robberies are being investigated by agents with the FBI in Los Angeles and detectives with the Santa Monica, San Marino and Arcadia police departments.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts or identities of these two suspects is urged to contact law enforcement by calling 911, (310) 395-9931, or the FBI 24/7 at 310-477-6565.
