Reward offered for Laguna bank robbery suspect

The FBI has issued a reward for information leading to the capture of a suspect they believe robbed the Laguna Beach Bank of America on Ocean Avenue Jan. 18.

The suspect, dubbed the “Turtlehead Bandit,” is believe to be responsible for six bank robberies in San Francisco and three in Los Angeles.

He is described as a white male, 5’11 to 6’, 37 to 45, 160 to 180 pounds, wearing sunglasses and a hat, with a large, straight nose. The FBI calls the bandit “armed and dangerous.”

The “turtlehead” moniker may refer to the distinctive shape of the suspect’s chin, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz said.

In the Laguna incident, the robber wore a white bandage on his chin, possibly to disguise his appearance, Kravetz said.

In all the robberies, the robber gave the bank teller a note stating he has a gun and will shoot if he is not given cash, according to the FBI. The robber netted between $2,000 and $3,000 from the Laguna branch of the Bank of America.

Anyone with information is urged to contact FBI Special Agent Steve May at (310) 477-6565.