Current:Home > Contact-us71-year-old serial bank robber who spent 40 years in prison strikes again in LA police say-LoTradeCoin
71-year-old serial bank robber who spent 40 years in prison strikes again in LA police say
View Date:2024-12-23 18:56:42
Police in Southern California on Tuesday announced they arrested a 71-year-old convicted serial bank robber after they say he allegedly struck again - this time stealing $64,000 in cash from bank in Los Angeles.
Bruce Edward Bell is facing felony charges including kidnapping in connection to the armed robbery late last month in the Sun Valley, a neighborhood in the northern San Fernando Valley region .
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the heist took place on Dec. 21, 2023, and during the robbery, "Bell entered the location, grabbed an employee and pointed a firearm."
Police said Bell forced the employee to walk over to a door with restricted access, demanded entry into the secure area and said if he was not granted access, he would shoot the employee.
The employee complied, and once inside, Bell ordered another employee to fill a bag with cash.
The armed suspect then fled the bank with more than $64,000 in cash, police reported.
A photo released by police shows the suspect pointing a firearm wearing sunglasses, a black ski mask, a black hat and a gray scarf over a black jacket with orange stripe.
Congresswoman's ex arrested in Colorado:Lauren Boebert's ex-husband arrested on assault, mischief charges, online records show
A getaway car and a traffic stop
Witnesses called 911 and told officers they watched the suspect drive away in a 2002 silver Volvo sedan.
Shortly after officers spotted the suspect vehicle, conducted traffic stop and detained the driver.
During a search of the vehicle, police learned the Volvo was stolen and also recovered a black replica firearm and $64,000 in cash inside the car.
Police arrested Bell on charges including kidnapping and booked into the LA County jail where online records show he was being held without on $1.6 million bond Wednesday.
It was not immediately known if Bell had obtained an attorney.
Los Angeles Sheriff's Office records show he is due in court on the kidnapping charge on Feb. 9.
More than 40 years in prison
According to a Tuesday news release from LAPD, Bell has four prior bank robbery convictions and has spent more than four decades in the Federal Department of Corrections for the crimes, He was released from prison in July 2021.
Bell was on supervised release at the time of his arrest, police said.
According to the release, investigators said they believe Bell has other robbery victims who have not yet been identified.
Police seek more information about Bruce Bell
Anyone with information about Edward or the most recent bank robbery is being asked to contact LAPD.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (1221)
Related
- Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
- My Best Buy memberships get you exclusive deals and perks—learn more here
- The ‘Barbie’ bonanza continues at the box office, ‘Oppenheimer’ holds the No. 2 spot
- In 'Family Lore,' award-winning YA author Elizabeth Acevedo turns to adult readers
- Jana Duggar Reveals She's Adjusting to City Life Amid Move Away From Farm
- Microsoft giving away pizza-scented Xbox controllers ahead of new 'Ninja Turtles' movie
- IRS, Ivies and GDP
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 expands the smartphone experience—pre-order and save up to $1,000
- Horoscopes Today, November 11, 2024
- Four women whose lives ended in a drainage ditch outside Atlantic City
Ranking
- American arrested in death of another American at luxury hotel in Ireland
- Here's how you can help kids stay healthy if they play outside in a heat wave
- Women’s World Cup Guide: Results, schedule and how to watch
- Climate Litigation Has Exploded, but Is it Making a Difference?
- Pistons' Ausar Thompson cleared to play after missing 8 months with blood clot
- As these farmworkers' children seek a different future, who will pick the crops?
- Here's where striking actors and writers can eat for free
- North Korea welcomes Russia and China envoys and Kim Jong Un shows off missiles on Korea War anniversary
Recommendation
-
Prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who argued Bush recount and same-sex marriage cases, dies
-
Phoenix is Enduring its Hottest Month on Record, But Mitigations Could Make the City’s Heat Waves Less Unbearable
-
Erratic winds challenge firefighters battling two major California blazes
-
Morocco’s Benzina is first woman to compete in hijab at World Cup since FIFA ban lifted
-
Sean Diddy Combs' Lawyers File New Motion for Bail, Claiming Evidence Depicts a Consensual Relationship
-
Cardi B Throws Microphone at Audience Member Who Tossed Drink at Her
-
Randy Meisner, founding member of the Eagles, dies at 77
-
Headspace helps you meditate on the go—save 30% when you sign up today