LOS FELIZ—On Thursday, August 12, a man attempted to rob three banks within one mile of one another in Los Feliz, with his final attempt being successful. As of 7:30 p.m., the suspect is still at large and the FBI along with the Los Angeles Police Department is actively conducting a search.
At 1:00 p.m., the suspect entered the Chase Bank at 1600 N. Hillhurst Ave. wearing a ski mask and carrying a lunch bag. He showed a bank teller a note, which claimed that there were explosives in the bag and demanded money. The robbery was not successful.
The suspect changed his shirt before entering Bank of America at 4510 Franklin Ave at 1:40 p.m., and conducted similar actions with a bank teller. He was not able to procure any money from this bank, either. The LAPD confirmed that at the Bank of America location, the suspect claimed to have had TNT.
The suspect changed his shirt again and at 2:00 p.m., presented the same note to a bank teller at Citibank at 1965 Hillhurst Ave. He was given an undisclosed amount of cash and then fled, according to authorities.
Police helicopters were seen circling the area near Franklin and Hillhurst Avenues in search of the suspect.
The bank robbery suspect has been described as a black male wearing a white shirt and sweat pants, who is approximately 50 years old and about 6 feet tall. It is not yet known if he is armed with explosives or any other weapon. There have not been any reports of any injuries.
The Citibank at Hillhurst will be closed until tomorrow, August 14, as investigation is still pending.
The police have issued a warning to the public and employees of all banks within a 10-mile radius of Los Feliz.
