SANTA MONICA—The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a duo they believe are linked to several violent robberies throughout the Los Angeles area that have transpired within the last month.
The “Palm Tree Bandits”—dubbed for the logo on their baseball caps—are wanted in connection to three armed bank robberies in San Marino, Santa Monica and Arcadia.
The suspects have been described as two African-American men between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. Both suspects were wearing baseball hats that incorporated a palm tree design. One suspect stands at approximately 5 feet and 9 inches tall and the other was described as having a heavy build, according to FBI officials.
The suspects are considered armed and dangerous. “At least one suspect brandishes a handgun during the robberies,” notes a statement from the FBI statement.
The robberies were committed on the following dates, at the following banks:
- July 18 – Bank of California; 2635 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica
- July 28 – One West Bank; 900 Huntington Dr. in San Marino
- August 4 – First Bank; 848 W. Duarte Rd. in Arcadia
The most recent robbery—which transpired on Thursday, August 4, the suspects wore surgical masks, latex gloves and construction vests and were both armed with handguns.
In all three robberies, the suspects were caught on surveillance footage and fled the scene of the crime with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to authorities.
The robberies are being investigated by agents with the FBI in Los Angeles in coordination with detectives within the Santa Monica, San Marino and Arcadia police departments.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts or identities of either suspect is asked to contact law enforcement by calling 911, (310) 395-9931, or the FBI 24/7 at 310-477-6565.
