A Torrance man suspected of being the “Inexperienced Gaiter Bandit” and accused of robbing a number of banks in Los Angeles and Orange counties was arrested, the FBI introduced Tuesday.
Christopher Paul Daniels, 55, was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 27, in Palos Verdes Estates and charged in a felony criticism, authorities mentioned. The criticism costs Daniels with financial institution robberies or tried financial institution robberies at:
- U.S. Financial institution in Mission Viejo on Jan. 7
- Wells Fargo Financial institution in Placentia on Jan. 21
- Chase Financial institution in Fullerton on Jan. 21
- Financial institution of the West in Fullerton on Jan. 27
Since October 2021 to as current as Jan. 27, 2022, there have been 19 financial institution robberies or tried robberies involving a suspect described as a male, between 50 and 60 years outdated, coming into varied banks and demanding money or free payments, in accordance with authorities. The suspected Inexperienced Gaiter Bandit has been linked to at the least 12 of the robberies dedicated throughout that point, the FBI mentioned in a information launch.
Throughout the robberies or tried robberies, the suspect wore a gaiter — usually inexperienced camouflage — protecting a part of his face, the FBI mentioned within the launch. The nickname “Inexperienced Gaiter Bandit” was ascribed to the case to maintain monitor of the quite a few crimes in a number of cities.
The higher a part of the suspect’s face, nonetheless, was uncovered in every occasion leaving his “very distinct” nostril uncovered, in accordance with the criticism. Financial institution tellers interviewed by authorities additionally described the suspect as having mild blue or inexperienced eyes. Daniels’ eyes are blue, the FBI mentioned.
On the day of Daniels’ arrest, he was detained in a site visitors cease whereas driving a white Toyota Yanis, the suspected getaway automobile in at the least two of the robberies, the criticism mentioned.
The extra seven robberies had been dedicated by at the least one extra suspect, described as a male, in Fullerton, Huntington Seashore and Costa Mesa, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller mentioned in an e-mail.
Authorities are additionally investigating 5 robberies or tried robberies that occurred on Feb. 22 and 23 in Santa Fe Springs, Downey, Whittier, Gardena and Bellflower believed to be dedicated by the suspected Inexperienced Gaiter Bandit, the FBI mentioned.
Daniels is about to be arraigned in federal court docket in Santa Ana on April 4.
The Inexperienced Gaiter Bandit has robbed or tried to rob 5 banks prior to now 3 days within the cities of #SantaFeSprings, #Downey, #Whittier, #Gardena & #Bellflower. #Reward cash is offered for info resulting in the arrest of this suspect. Please name 3104776565 with suggestions. pic.twitter.com/iKq60mBOe7
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) February 24, 2022