FBI Hunting for Bank Robber Who Started Spree in South City

A man suspected of committing at least six bank robberies in the Bay Area and two others in the Sacramento Valley since September remains at large, Davis police announced Wednesday.

Based on similar suspect descriptions, detectives believe the same suspect is responsible for the string of robberies at US Bank branches in cities as far south as Cupertino and as far north as Davis.

US Bank if offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect, Davis police said.

The first crime in the series occurred on Sept. 1 at a branch in South San Francisco, and the most recent crime happened on Dec. 22 at a branch in Redwood City.

The suspect hit four banks between Oct. 19 and Oct 24 and two others -- one in Elk Grove and one in Davis -- on Dec. 20, according to Davis police.

In each case, the suspect presented a note but did not reveal any actual weapons.

He is in his late 20s or early 30s and is possibly Middle Eastern, police said. He had black hair and a full beard at the time the crimes were committed and was wearing reading glasses. He stands about 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 180 pounds, police said.

The FBI, Davis Police Department and other affected local jurisdictions in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda and Sacramento counties are investigating the robberies, Davis police said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact authorities at the San Francisco FBI Field Office, (415) 553-7400; the Sacramento FBI Field Office, (916) 481-9110; or the Davis Police Department, (530) 747-5400; or to call the US Bank security hotline at (800) 685-5515.

-Bay City News