Law Enforcement Seeking ‘Palm Tree Bandits’

Both suspects, seen fleeing Arcadia robbery scene. – Courtesy photo

Group Currently Linked to Three Southern California Bank Robberies

Law enforcement is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the unidentified bank robbers known to law enforcement as the “Palm Tree Bandits,” currently linked to three violent takeover robberies in the cities of Santa Monica, San Marino, and Arcadia, respectively.

The suspects are described by witnesses as two black males, between 20 and 30 years old.

Suspect 1 is additionally described as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, thin build, and wearing a baseball hat. Suspect 2 is described as having a heavy build and also wearing a baseball hat.

Suspect 1 during the San Marino robbery. – Courtesy photo

The logos on the hats were described by witnesses as “Palm Trees,” dubbing them the “Palm Tree Bandits.”

They are considered armed and dangerous. At least one suspect brandishes a handgun during the robberies. In all three robberies, the bandits fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The dates and locations are as follows:

– July 18: Bank of California (2635 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica).

– July 28: One West Bank (900 Huntington Drive, San Marino).

– Aug. 4: First Bank (848 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia).

Suspect 2 during the San Marino robbery. – Courtesy photo

The robberies are being investigated by agents with the FBI in Los Angeles and detectives with the San Marino Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, and the Arcadia Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts or identities of these two suspects is urged to contact law enforcement by calling 911, their local police department, or the FBI at (310) 477-6565.

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