'Desperate Bandit' Linked to Temecula Bank Robbery

A suspect in a recent Temecula bank robbery is believed to be the same as the FBI's so-called "Desperate Bandit," who has hit six other locations in Orange County and one in Corona, authorities said Tuesday.

The Desperate Bandit is suspected in connection with the Oct. 15 robbery at according to Sgt. Jon Wade of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The robber made off with an undisclosed amount of cash from the Temecula bank after handing a teller a demand note and stating he had a weapon with him, Wade said.

During other robberies linked to the Desperate Bandit, the suspect enters the bank and has asked to cash a company check, FBI Spokesperson Laura Eimiller said, in a news release.

"The suspect also makes verbal demands for cash and presents a typed demand note that threatens a gun," Eimiller said.

The suspect has been seen driving a late model, four-door, white Toyota Corolla with a factory spoiler, Eimiller said.

The Desperate Bandit has also been linked to the following robberies, according to the FBI:

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He was described as a white male with a chubby build, between 40-50 years of age, between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall, approximately 200 pounds, with a combination of brown and gray hair.

The Desperate Bandit has been seen during the robberies carrying a dark merchant bag, Eimiller said.

He has also used a disguise during some of the robberies, including a wig, a mustache and eyeglasses, Eimiller said.

The Desperate Bandit typically wears a baseball cap, cargo shorts, and tennis shoes, she said.

Anyone with information on the suspect may call the Temecula Police Department's Detective Bureau at 951-696-3000.