"Geezer Bandit" Strikes 13th Calif. Bank after Two Month Hiatus, Says FBI

(CBS/KFMB/AP) The serial bank robber dubbed the "Geezer Bandit" has looted his 13th bank, knocking off a Bank of America branch in Santa Barbara County Friday, according to the FBI.

PICTURES: Most Outrageous Bank Robbers

The FBI said in a news release that a man believed to be the elderly bank robber has struck for the first time in Santa Barbara after 11 robberies in the San Diego area starting in 2009, and one in Bakersfield in November.

"The robbery was conducted similar to the previous 12 robberies that we believe he is responsible for," FBI spokesman and special agent Darrell Foxworth told CBS affiliate KFMB.

After a two month hiatus, the "Geezer Bandit" struck at about 5:30 p.m. Friday, and appears to be venturing up the coast, reports The Los Angeles Times.

"An individual fitting the description of 'Geezer Bandit' approached the teller at that branch threatened that he had a weapon, made a demand for cash, and after that demand was made the teller provided him with the sum of money," Foxworth said.

Central coast authorities believe the blazer-clad bandit is about 70 years old and stands about 6 feet tall; however, witnesses have speculated that the elderly get-up could be a disguise.

"Nothing is off the table when it comes to possibilities with the 'Geezer Bandit,'" Foxworth said.

Police believe he is armed and dangerous.

The FBI is now offering a $20,000 reward leading to his arrest and conviction. 

According to Wikipedia, with heist No. 13 the "Geezer Bandit" has now earned a place on its list of the most infamous bank robbers in the United States.

Anyone with information concerning these robberies is asked to contact the FBI at (858) 565-1255, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS.

MORE ON CRIMESIDER
November 17, 2010 - "Geezer Bandit" Strikes Again! Tied to 12th Calif. Bank Robbery
February 1, 2010 - "Geezer Bandit" Hits 6 Banks in 6 Months, Pretty Good for an Old Man