A wig-wearing bank robber suspected of targeting banks up and down the Central Valley struck at a Turlock location Thursday morning.
The suspect remains at large and is armed. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, as well as local law enforcement are actively searching for the robber and are hoping information from the public will lead to his capture.
In addition to the Turlock robbery, the man is suspected of robbing banks in Tracy, Elk Grove and Bakersfield.
The Turlock robbery happened around 10:47 a.m. Thursday at the Rabobank at 2190 W. Monte Vista Ave. The suspect entered the bank and brandished a handgun. He approached a teller and demanded money, said Turlock Police Lt. Ron Reid.
The teller complied with the robber’s demands and the suspect left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. The robber was last seen fleeing on foot by ducking into the back alley behind the Kragen’s Auto Parts store.
No one was injured during the robbery, Reid said.
The suspect is described as a medium-skinned Hispanic man between the ages of 40 to 50 years old. He’s between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches tall with a slim build, at about 165 pounds. The suspect appears to be wearing a gray haired wig and has a mustache. He had on black gloves, glasses, and was wearing a black sports coat over a blue shirt and blue jeans.
The description of the suspect matches that of three other robberies that have occurred since early March. The first was on March 8 at a U.S. Bank in Tracy. In that robbery a suspect wearing a gray wig placed a black revolver on a counter and demanded money. He was dressed in a sports coat over a maroon shirt, blue jeans, and cowboy boots. According to the Tri Valley Herald, U.S. Bank has put up a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the suspect.
The second robbery was on March 28 at the U.S. Bank in Elk Grove. The suspect again appeared to be wearing a gray wig. He also had on a black sports coat and blue jeans. The robber showed a gun during the robbery and fled on foot.
The third robbery happened Wednesday at a Rabobank in Bakersfield. The suspect brandished a gun and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The description matches that of the previous robberies. Additionally, the teller said the suspect had acne scars on his face. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the suspect was seen sitting in a car prior to the robbery. The car was described as a black four-door model, possibly a Honda circa late 90s or early 2000s.
The Turlock Police Department is asking that anyone with information about the robberies or the suspect contact Sgt. Russell Holeman at 668-5550 ext. 6622. Callers can also leave tips with Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
