Thursday’s Attempted Bank Robbery Suspect Identified by FBI as “Faux Badge Bandit”

The FBI said Friday the armed man who attempted to rob the US Bank inside a Pasadena Vons this week has been identified as the “Faux Badge Bandit,” so-called because some witnesses have said he wore a seven-point badge on his hip along with a shoulder holster during some of his robberies.

The Pasadena incident occurred at 2355 East Colorado Blvd. on Thursday morning at about noon. The robber was armed with a silver handgun and threatened to shoot the panicky teller when she was overcome with fear.

When a second teller intervened, the would-be robber fled. He was chased by a Vons employee who assumed he was a shoplifter. That employee was able to describe the getaway car to police, according to Pasadena authorities.

The FBI said that same day, the suspect went on to successfully rob a Chase Bank at 805 W. Foothill Blvd. in Claremont, and then on Friday to rob a Wells Fargo branch at 26900 Sierra Highway in Santa Clarita.

In all, the “Faux Badge Bandit” has struck four banks since May 31.

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.