Search for Satchel Bandit in San Diego

ESCONDIDO (CNS) – Law enforcement authorities Wednesday re-released images of a man robbing a Northern California bank and trying to rob another in Escondido last year in the hope someone would recognize him.

The so-called Satchel Bandit is suspected in a failed robbery at a Union Bank branch at 303 West Grand Ave., in Escondido, on Aug. 23, according to FBI spokeswoman Emily Yeh. He passed a demand note to a teller but left empty-handed, she said.

Three weeks earlier, the bandit used a demand note to rob another Union Bank branch on Old Mammoth Road in Mammoth Lakes, Yeh said.

In both cases the robber was carrying a tan or brown leather travel bag and wearing a light green baseball cap, a checkered shirt and tan or olive pants. He did not try to hide his face.

The suspect was described as white, 50-70 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall and about 165 pounds with gray or white hair.

Anyone with more information about the suspect was asked to call the FBI at (858) 320-1800 or (775) 588-4184, or to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.