FBI Seeks Suspect in Foiled Bank Heist, 3 Other Robberies

VENTURA —  Authorities are searching for a Santa Paula man they believe has pulled off four bank robberies in the county since mid-November, including a foiled heist Thursday at a Bank of America branch in Ventura.

The FBI identified Ernest Ricardez, 34, as its suspect in the robberies, said Special Agent Gary G. Auer. A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Ricardez for three robberies last year, he said.

In Thursday’s holdup, the first Ventura bank robbery of the year, Ricardez is suspected of pointing a handgun at tellers about 1:30 p.m. at the Bank of America at 2698 E. Main St.

But as he fled with the money, Auer said, a dye pack inserted in his bag by a teller exploded and he dropped the cash. He reportedly drove off in an early 1980s white Cadillac El Dorado.

“We believe all of the money was recovered,” Auer said, declining to disclose the amount. Auer said Ricardez’s description matches that given in Thursday’s robbery.

George Gonzales of Ventura said he was in the bank during the robbery, but did not get a good look at the robber. “I just walked in the door and saw the gun and everybody’s hands up”

Linda Shaffer of Ventura said she was also in the bank, but did not see the robber’s face. She heard a bank employee yell, “Don’t chase him, he’s got a gun.”

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in finding Ricardez. He’s described as Latino, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a stocky build. He was wearing a dark waist-length jacket, a light-colored shirt, dark trousers and dark sunglasses.

Ricardez also is wanted on suspicion of robbing a Wells Fargo on South Mills Road in Ventura on Dec. 22, a Bank of America branch in Oxnard on Dec. 1 and a Bank of America branch in Westlake on Nov. 17, Auer said.