The sheriff’s department’s bomb squad was called in after a bank robbery in West Hollywood on Nov. 28 where the suspect left behind a fake explosive device.

A surveillance camera captured an image of the suspect. (photo courtesy of the FBI)

The FBI and the sheriff’s department’s Major Crimes Bureau are investigating the robbery, and have linked the incident to a suspect dubbed the “Explosive Threat Bandit”, who is also wanted for a similar hold-up in West Covina on Nov. 15. No injuries were reported in either robbery, but the bank employees were traumatized, according to FBI spokesperson Lourdes Arocho.

The West Hollywood incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. at the Bank of America branch at 8655 Beverly Blvd., near San Vicente Boulevard. The suspect reportedly entered the bank and posed as a customer, and when he approached the teller, handed over a note demanding $20,000. The suspect also orally demanded cash, and stated that he had a bomb that would be detonated by someone outside the bank if he did not receive the cash. Arocho said the suspect also wrote the threat on the note he presented to the teller, stating that if he did not receive the money, he would make a call to an accomplice outside who was monitoring police radio frequencies, and who would “press a button” and “the establishment will not exist.” Arocho said the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, and left the purported bomb in the bank.

Del Mese said the authorities from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station were notified shortly after the robbery, but when deputies arrived, they were unable to locate the suspect. He said the bank was evacuated and officials from the Arson Explosives Detail, also known as the bomb squad, were summoned. They determined the device, which resembled a bomb, did not contain explosives.

“It was a small device with electronic components and wiring,” Del Mese said. “He just goes in, sets it down and leaves it there.”

Arocho said the same suspect is believed to have robbed a Bank of America branch in West Covina using the same method of operation. In that robbery, the suspect wore a suit and tie, but during the West Hollywood robbery, he wore casual clothing including a black, pullover sweatshirt.

The suspect is described as being Caucasian, approximately 35 to 40 years old, five-feet-ten-inches to six-feet-tall and 175 to 190 pounds. He fled both banks on foot and no vehicle was observed.

Del Mese said while bank robberies occur “occasionally” in West Hollywood, it was unusual for a suspect to threaten to use a bomb. He said all bank robberies are considered “high risk” incidents, but that any threat of an explosive device takes it to another level.

“We handled the crime scene, and then handed it off to our Major Crimes Bureau, which is working with the FBI on this,” Del Mese added. “The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department put out an alert, and all of the banks have been notified. I believe if he walks in another bank, they’ll be pushing buttons [to call the police].”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at (888)226-8443.