'Hypnotist Bandit' wanted for 4 bank robberies

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- The 'Hypnotist Bandit' is wanted for robbing four banks in the Pasadena and South Bay areas over the past three months.

The suspect is wanted for robberies at Bank of the West in Pasadena on May 27; an HSBC Bank branch in Temple City, and a Bank of the West in South El Monte on June 3.

On Friday, June 20, a Bank of America branch on the 1200 block of Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach was robbed. Police and the FBI believe the Hypnotist Bandit is the suspect.

In each of the incidents, the suspect passed a note to the teller. In at least one robbery, he threatened that he had a weapon.

The suspect has been nicknamed the "Hypnotist Bandit" based on descriptions by victim tellers that the suspect stared at them and continued to make eye contact during the robberies.

The unidentified man is described as a white or Hispanic man about 30 years old, standing about 6' 2" to 6' 4" tall, weighing about 190-200 pounds with a thin build. He has brown hair and dark eyes, and has had a goatee and stubble growth. He has a faded red heart tattoo with a black outline on one hand, believed to be an older tattoo.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact their nearest FBI office or dial 911.