A Wells Fargo bank branch in a Placentia store and three US Bank branches have been robbed in Orange County cities by the suspects. US Bank is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the two suspects.
Surveillance video shows two men walking into a Stater Brothers store in Placentia. One heads directly to the Wells Fargo Bank branch inside while the other hangs back a little and looks around.
"One acts as a lookout. He keeps his hand in a bag simulating a weapon, while the other makes demands that someone will get hurt if the teller does not comply," said Orange County Sheriff's Spokesman Jim Amormino.
Authorities have dubbed the two men the "Market Duo Bandits" since authorities say they've robbed four banks inside supermarkets in just over a month.
The two men are considered the most active bank robbers operating in Orange County being pursued by the FBI. The robbed banks are located in Seal Beach, La Habra, Lake Forest and Placentia.
"It's extremely dangerous because they're all busy markets, especially this time of year near the holidays, a lot of people are out doing holiday shopping," said Amormino.
Families walked right by, unaware the suspects were robbing the bank.
The video shows the two suspects quickly leaving the store. As they ran through the parking lot, one suspect threw away the money dye pack, just in time for it to explode in the bushes as they made their getaway.
Authorities describe the suspects' vehicle as a newer model dark gray or black Ford F-250 or F-350 pickup truck. It might have a toolbox in the back.
The suspects were described as Hispanic men in their late 20s or early 30s. One stands 5 feet 5 inches tall with an average build. The other stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 200 pounds. They both wore baseball caps and sunglasses.
If you have information related to the case, contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.
