Carp bank robber linked to other holdups

ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Sheriff’s officials have linked the gunman who robbed a Carpinteria bank on Tuesday afternoon to multiple bank robberies in northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo in recent months.
Surveillance photos and video show the suspect, believed to be Hispanic or Caucasian, wearing false facial hair that typically includes a mustache, goatee and long sideburns.

“The fake facial hair is described as thick, dark and obviously fake,” according to an advisory released by the Sheriff’s Department. “The weapon used was only described as a full-size, dark-colored semi automatic.”
Authorities linked the suspect to bank robberies in Lompoc, Nipomo, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo dating back to July. Sheriff’s officials further described the robber as in his late 30s or early 40s, around 6 feet tall and about 170 pounds.
At around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the suspect entered the Bank of America at 4994 Carpinteria Ave. and flashed his handgun at a teller. After fleeing the bank, a dye pack in the bag handed over by the teller exploded, causing him to drop the cash.
“It is believed all of the stolen money was recovered in the discarded bag,” according to the advisory.
Sheriff’s officials said the suspect is considered armed and dangerous and asked anyone with information to his identity or whereabouts to call the Sheriff’s Department tip-line at 800-782-7463 or Det. Chris Corbett at 805-455-0504.