Toronto police have released surveillance video of a suspect dubbed the “LA Bandit” who is wanted in connection with five bank robberies across the Durham, Toronto and London regions.
Acting Insp. Lauren Pogue told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday they are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
The incidents all took place over a seven-week period from April to May 2018.
Pogue said in the first incident on April 7, at around 10:10 a.m., a man entered a bank near Yonge and Wellesley streets in Toronto wearing a baseball hat, dark sunglasses and a scarf around the lower portion of his face. The hat, an LA Dodgers baseball cap, gave the suspect his nickname.
He approached a worker and placed a blue backpack on the counter. Pogue said he then put his hand inside the backpack, indicating he had a gun and made a demand for money.
He was given a quantity of money and left the branch.
Pogue said the same man then proceeded to rob four more banks using the same M.O.
On April 12, at around 10:40 a.m., the suspected robbed a bank on King Avenue West in Newcastle, Ont.
On May 16, at around 10:30 a.m., the suspect robbed a bank in the Bloor Street West and Spadina Avenue area in Toronto. He had a black beard and moustache at the time. He was also wearing a distinctive jacket with royal blue sleeves, a black body and a two-inch yellow stripe that ran up from one sleeve, across the chest and down the other sleeve. He was carrying a red knapsack.
WATCH: Toronto police release video of ‘LA Bandit’ suspect
On May 18, at around 9:30 a.m., the suspect robbed a bank in the Oxford Street East and Richmond Street area in London, Ont. Pogue said they believe the suspect fled in a white, two-door 2014-2016 white Mercedes CLA 250. He was wearing a New York Yankees hat, sunglasses and a navy blue zipped jacket with white stripes at the collar, sleeves and waistband.
On May 26, at around 3:15 p.m., the suspect robbed a bank in the Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue area in Toronto.
The suspect is described as being six feet tall, between the ages of 25 to 35 years old, with dark facial hair.
Pogue said the suspect is believed to be operating on his own.
She said although a gun is indicated in each incident, no gun has been seen.
Toronto police have been coordinating with Durham Regional Police and London police in the investigation. Pogue said at this time, there is no indication the suspect is connected with any other robberies.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers Anonymously at 416-222-8477.
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