Police Arrest Suspect In 'Puffy Coat Bandit' Bank Robberies
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Authorities have arrested a man they suspect is the "Puffy Coat Bandit", a bank robber linked to seven holdups in Southern California over the past three weeks.
A detective with the Upland Police Department detained a driver Tuesday afternoon matching the suspect's and vehicle's descriptions.
Upland police and the FBI arrested Steven Dwayne Paulson, of Pomona.
The 46-year-old was being held on a parole violation and was expected to be charged in connection with the bank robberies Wednesday.
The robberies were committed in Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties from Dec. 20 through Dec. 30, FBI officials said.
"The 'Puffy Coat Bandit' was nicknamed based on the ski-style jacket worn during a robbery that occurred on December 20, 2011 in the city of Chino," Laura Eimiller of the FBI said. "In subsequent robberies . . . the bandit wore a similar jacket, but in others, is seen wearing a thick plaid jacket."
In all of the robberies, the bandit is seen wearing either a baseball cap or a beanie style knit hat, and does not conceal his facial features, the FBI said.
During the robberies, the "Puffy Coat Bandit" enters the bank, gives a note demanding cash and simulates a weapon hidden under his coat, witnesses said.
Witnesses also described a male getaway driver behind the wheel of a gold or copper-colored Ford Taurus, or a Black Oldsmobile Alero with a spoiler.
Investigators said they will continue to determine whether an accomplice was also involved.
