The Sheriff's Department wants your help in identifying and locating a bank robber who has been nicknamed the Bearded Bandit. He is believed to have robbed another bank in Vista.
It happened today (November 6th) just before 10:00 a.m. at the Chase Bank in the 900 block of East Vista Way. The Bearded Bandit, who is now clean shaven, walked into the bank and gave the teller a demand note, which mentioned he had a gun.
He got away with an unknown amount of money. No gun was seen and no one was hurt.
The Bearded Bandit is also suspected in the robbery of a Chase Bank along South Melrose Drive in Vista on October 15th and a Wells Fargo Bank along Saturn Boulevard near Imperial Beach on October 7th.
Take a good look at these surveillance photos. The first two photos are from the November 6th bank robbery which show his new clean shaven appearance. The third one is from a prior bank robbery showing him with facial hair.
The Bearded Bandit should be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
If you recognize the Bearded Bandit or know where he is, call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.
A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.
Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via www.sdcrimestoppers.com.
