Trending Topics

FBI in Utah asking for help in finding ‘AK-47 Bandit’

A man with same description is wanted for a Calif. robbery resulting in shooting of an officer

By Jessica Miller
The Salt Lake Tribune

SALT LAKE CITY — The FBI in Salt Lake City is looking for a man who robbed an Idaho credit union and may be responsible for other robberies in California and Washington.

Known as the “AK-47 Bandit,” the man robbed the East Idaho Credit Union in Rexberg on Wednesday. During that robbery, the masked gunman used an assault rifle, ordered customers and employees into a vault, then stole cash. No one was injured.

A man with the same description is suspected in a Chino, Calif., heist in February that ended with the robber shooting and seriously injuring a police officer. He is also linked to robberies in Vacaville, Calif., Sacramento, Calif., and North Bend, Wash.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest, and East Idaho Credit Union is offering an additional reward of up to $20,000 for information.

FBI authorities say the “AK-47 Bandit” is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. If anyone has information, they can contact the FBI Salt Lake City Division at 801-579-1400 or email tips to SaltLakeCity@ic.fbi.gov

Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune