Pasadena Police Airship Assists San Marino Police Capture South Pasadena Bank Robbery Suspect

On Thursday, September 10, 2015, at 12:23 p.m. an attempted bank robbery occurred at Chase Bank, 1305 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena, authorities said.

A man wearing a fake beard presented a note to the teller demanding money. For unknown reasons, the suspect fled the bank without receiving money, leaving behind the demand note. A bank employee saw the suspect get into a white four door sedan and flee Southbound on Fair Oaks Avenue.

South Pasadena Police were called and conducted an area check for the suspect and vehicle, but they did not locate the suspect.

Surrounding agencies, which included San Marino Police Department and Pasadena Police Department’s Air Support Division, were notified and a suspect and vehicle description were broadcasted to their officers.

A San Marino Police Officer saw a vehicle matching the description in the area of Huntington Drive and Bradbury Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield. With the assistance of the Pasadena PD Airship, a vehicle pursuit ensued that eventually ended in the city of Rosemead, where the suspect was taken into custody.

The suspect, who was later identified as Joseph Adel Noreiga (37) of Rancho Cucamonga, was still wearing the fake black beard when he was arrested. The suspect is believed to be the “Bluto Bandit” and is likely responsible for several bank robberies and attempted bank robberies in Southern California.

The quick dissemination of suspect information to surrounding agencies and the quick response of the San Marino Police Department and the Pasadena Police Department’s Airship lead to the arrest of this dangerous suspect.

The South Pasadena Police Department and the FBI are still currently investigating this incident. There is no further information at this time.

Prepared by Corporal Shannon Robledo

Watch Commander – (626) 403-7265