Courtesy of the FBI
This man is suspect in two Los Altos bank robberies, according to the FBI.
Town Crier Staff Writer
The Los Altos Police Department and the FBI are seeking public assistance in the identification of two individuals who are suspects in 17 separate Bay Area bank robberies in the last two years.
One suspect is an Hispanic male, approximately 24 years old and 200 pounds, who is between 5-feet-8 and 5-feet-10. He has buzz cut black hair with slicked-back sides. He carries a black day planner, and is suspected of robbing 11 banks, including the Los Altos Washington Mutual Bank on Main Street last December, and the Bank of America on San Antonio Road in August.
The second suspect is female, mid 20s to early 30s, about 160-200 pounds, and is between 5-feet-3 and 5-feet-6. She sometimes carries a bank merchant deposit bag. She is suspected of six robberies, including the Los Altos Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street last October and the Bank of America on San Antonio Road in June.
Both approach tellers with demand notes and each has threatened to produce weapons though neither has. Both should be considered armed and dangerous.
"The best thing a person can do if they walk in on a robbery," said Los Altos Police Detective Mark Laranjo, "is to do what you're told to do. Don't interfere, don't get hurt, don't get anybody else hurt. Be aware of what's going on, and just be the best witness that you can.
"If you were to actually see one of these suspects get into a vehicle and wouldn't put yourself in danger by discreetly jotting down the license number, great," Laranjo said. "But if it's going to place you in jeopardy, I'd rather not get the license number. Don't take the suspect on yourself. As soon as you can safely get to a phone, call 911, and tell them what you saw. But keep yourself safe."
Wells Fargo and Bank of America are each offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individuals.
Anyone with information is requested to call Detective Laranjo at 948-8223, or an anonymous call can be left on voice-mail, ext. 752.