Pasadena Bank Robber Hits Two Banks in Northern California

The FBI said Friday the armed man who attempted to rob a bank inside a Pasadena market last month apparently struck two banks in Northern California this week.

The “Faux Badge Bandit,” so-called because some witnesses have said he wears a seven-point badge on his hip along with a shoulder holster during some of his robberies, reportedly pointed a silver handgun at a panicky teller when he tried to rob the US Bank inside the Vons at 2355 East Colorado Blvd. on June 14.

When a second teller intervened, the would-be robber fled. He was chased by a Vons employee who assumed he was a shoplifter.

Now the FBI said that the same man robbed a bank in Danville last Thursday and may have also tried to rob a bank in San Ramon the same day.

Danville Police Chief Allan Shields told Patch that authorities believe the bandit may be the same person who has committed robberies in the South Bay, as well as the Southern California and Sacramento areas.

Local and federal authorities are seeking tips that could help them identify the suspect, whom they believe hit at least four banks in Los Angeles County over recent weeks.

The spree began on May 31 at a Wells Fargo branch at 1487 Foothill Blvd. in La Verne. On June 14, the suspect attempted to rob the US Bank in Pasadena and that same day, went on to successfully rob a Chase Bank at 805 W. Foothill Blvd. in Claremont. The next day he robbed a Wells Fargo branch at 26900 Sierra Highway in Santa Clarita.

The FBI and Pasadena police describe the suspect is described as white, 6 feet tall, 230 pounds and 40 to 50 years old.

The FBI along with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Pasadena, La Verne, and Claremont Police Departments urge any member of the public with information about the “Faux Badge Bandit” to call 911 or (310) 477-6565 day or night.