AK-47 Bandit almost causes crash after robbery

Rexburg police are looking for the driver who was nearly in an accident with the AK-47 Bandit.

The East Idaho Credit Union in Rexburg was robbed Wednesday with what appeared to be an assault rifle, and local police and the FBI believe the robber has hit various other financial institutions throughout the country, including banks in California and Washington, and seriously wounded a Chino, Calif., police officer.

On Tuesday, police said they are looking for a sky blue pickup that was headed south on South Yellowstone Highway around 4:30 p.m. just after the robbery. An eyewitness observed the robber, who was driving a dark grey sedan with tinted windows, pull off of Trejo in front of a pickup headed south on the highway. The driver of the pickup had to take evasive action to avoid hitting the getaway vehicle. Police said the robber blew the stop sign at Trejo and South Yellowstone “at a fair rate of speed.” Both vehicles continued south.

Officers are looking for the driver of the pickup for any additional information about the AK-47 Bandit.

The Rexburg Police Department said Tuesday that it has sent detectives to surrounding states as part of its investigation and is working with other law enforcement agencies, including the Chino Police Department.

The AK-47 Bandit is described as a white man, around 5’10” between 220 to 230 pounds. He has worn a mask during his robberies.

He is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

If you have any information on the case, call Rexburg police at (208) 359-3008 or 359-3020, after hours Rexburg/Madison County dispatch at 356-5426. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000, and East Idaho Credit Union is offering an additional $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

For more information, see the wanted poster under “Related Content” in full-browser view.