Suspected Bank Robber Surrenders To Police Following High Speed Chase
EL SEGUNDO (CBS) — Authorities have arrested a suspected bank robber who led authorities on a high speed chase from Orange County through the South Bay.
The pursuit began around 1 p.m. following the robbery of El Banco Popular at 1801 North Euclid Street in Fullerton.
Officials say Joe Pettis, 40, of Anaheim, passed a note demanding money to a teller around 12:48 p.m. No weapon was seen and Pettis fled with an unknown amount of money.
Fullerton police say the chase began almost immediately. The suspect then led authorities on the westbound 91 Freeway and later transitioned to the southbound 110 Freeway and the streets of the South Bay.
Pettis is believed to be the "Triple Threat Bandit" who robbed three banks in Orange County on Aug. 19.
He is also alleged to have robbed a Farmers and Merchants branch at 5101 Lakewood Blvd. in Lakewood earlier Thursday, then held up Banco Popular in Fullerton, said Ari Dekofsky of the FBI.
Pettis surrendered to authorities around 2:10 p.m. at the Prairie off-ramp.
No one was hurt during the chase.
