'Poodle Bandit' sought in California bank heists

May 6, 2010
Suspect given name for fluffy wig he has worn during robberies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. --

The FBI said it is looking for a bank robber who's been dubbed the "poodle bandit."

The man is wanted in at least five bank robberies across the Central Valley.

He was given the moniker because of a fluffy wig he's worn during the robberies.

Officials said the man typically shows a hand gun to the teller while demanding money.

According to the FBI, the "poodle bandit" is wanted in the robberies of a U.S. Bank branch in Tracy on March 8, a U.S. Bank branch in Elk Grove

on March 29, a Citibank branch in Fresno on April 14, a Rabobank branch in Bakersfield on April 28, and a Rabobank branch in Turlock on April 29.

Surveillance photos show that the robber usually wears a dark-colored blazer, blue jeans, black gloves and glasses.

Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact the FBI in Sacramento at 916-481-9110. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may also call the Sacramento Citizens' Crime Alert tip line at 1-800-222-7463. Any tip leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for these robberies is eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Copyright 2010 by KSBW.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.