'Snowbird Bandit' arrested for OC bank robberies, identified as retired LAPD officer

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- The so-called "Snowbird Bandit," accused in a series of bank robberies in the South Orange County area, has been arrested.

Randolph Bruce Adair was taken into custody on Wednesday at a Rancho Santa Margarita parking lot, the Orange County Sheriff's Department announced.

The arrest came after several of Adair's family members contacted sheriff's deputies saying they had seen media reports about the Snowbird Bandit and had information.

Adair is a retired police officer who worked for the LAPD from 1967 to 1988.

Authorities say investigators were able to collect evidence connecting Adair to five recent bank robberies, including a robbery on Tuesday at the First Citizens Bank in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The 70-year-old Adair was booked on suspicion of robbery and an outstanding warrant. He is being held on $205,000 bail.

Investigators say they intend on pursuing federal charges against Adair.