'Beachcomber Bandit' sought in LA, SLO county bank robberies

LOS ANGELES -- The FBI and police are searching for the "Beachcomber Bandit," suspected of robbing banks in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties this year.

The suspect was dubbed the "Beachcomber Bandit" after he allegedly robbed two banks in the beach cities of Long Beach and Grover Beach. A U.S. Bank branch was robbed at 555 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach on May 13. A Rabobank branch was robbed at 899 W. Grand Ave. in Grover Beach on June 10.

The suspect is described as an Asian or Filipino man, about 35-45 years old, standing 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 150-170 pounds, with a graying mustache or goatee. He wears a black leather jacket over a gray sweatshirt with the hood pulled over a plain black baseball cap.

The suspect approaches the teller window with a small piece of paper in his hand and verbally demands "all the money," as well as the "big bills."

During the two robberies, the suspect carried a black semiautomatic handgun in the front of his waistband. The gun possibly has a gun light attached under the slide.

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