FBI: Rexburg credit union latest in AK-47 Bandit’s heists
The man who robbed East Idaho Credit Union in Rexburg on Wednesday with an assault rifle matches the description of the AK-47 Bandit, who the FBI said has hit banks in California and Washington.
The FBI said the AK-47 Bandit also committed a heist Feb. 29 at the California Bank & Trust in Chino, Calif. As he fled the bank, he shot and seriously hurt a police officer. The suspect is also believed to be connected to the March 12, 2012, robbery of the Bank of the West on the 1000 block of Helen Power Drive in Vacaville, Calif. He may also have been involved in an attempted robbery three days prior on March 9, of the Tri Counties Bank on the 1700 block of Challenge Way in Sacramento, Calif. On July 6, 2012, a similar style take-over robbery occurred at the Chase Bank on Mount Si Boulevard in North Bend, Wash.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who committed these bank robberies.
Additionally, East Idaho Credit Union is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual who robbed the credit union in Rexburg on Wednesday. In that case, the robber forced employees into a safe while he took the cash.
The public is reminded the AK-47 Bandit is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information can contact the FBI Salt Lake City Division at (801) 579-1400 in Salt Lake City or email tips to SaltLakeCity@ic.fbi.gov. Tipsters can also contact the nearest FBI Office.
