FBI Searching for Cerritos Bank Robber Dubbed 'Tiger Bandit'

A multi-agency search is under way for the so-called "Tiger Bandit" who is suspected of robbing six banks in a week, starting with Comerica bank in Cerritos last Friday.

The first in his spate of thefts occurred at the Cerritos bank located at 11355 South St. at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, according to Lt. Richard Harpham at the Cerritos Sheriff's Station. The amount of cash taken was not released.

Since then the suspect has been linked to bank robberies in:

• Long Beach and Marina del Rey on Nov. 24
• Santa Monica on Nov. 27
• Huntington Beach on Nov. 28
• Lomita on Nov. 30

The most recent holdup occurred today at U.S. Bank, 2270 Pacific Coast Highway in Lomita, Eimiller said.

During each of the robberies, the suspect demands cash in various denominations, Eimiller added.

Suspect Description

The suspect was described as a black or Latino man with a stocky build and dark complexion and possibly a skin condition, said Laura Eimiller of the FBI. The Tiger Bandit received his nickname because he can be seen wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball hat in bank surveillance photos, Eimiller said.

"Investigators believe there is a possibility that the Tiger Bandit may actually be two men working together, but entering banks separately," Eimiller said.

Authorities have released several bank surveillance photos of the Tiger Bandit in hopes that someone will be able to identify the suspect.

Authorities urged anyone with information regarding the suspect's whereabouts to call 911 or (888) 226-8443.

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