After Hoisting One, He’s Accused of Heisting One

A bank robbery suspect was arrested after he strolled to a bar across the parking lot, ordered a beer and started counting “a wad of money,” Huntington Beach police said Thursday.

Ronald Langdale, 58, of Los Angeles had taken only a few sips of his beer when officers walked into Mario’s Restaurant, tapped him on the shoulder and led him to a waiting squad car, police said.

Minus the tab for the beer, all the money was recovered, police said.

Langdale allegedly robbed the Bank of America near Beach Boulevard and Ellis Avenue about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, ordering a teller to hand over money.

He told her he had a weapon, police said, but none was seen.

After the teller complied, police said, the robber left with an undisclosed amount and walked to the restaurant, took a seat at the bar and ordered a beer.

Meanwhile, police searched the shopping center and interviewed witnesses, who described a suspect wearing a baseball cap, a light jacket and dark pants.

When police went inside the restaurant, they spotted a man fitting the description sitting at the bar, counting a large stack of money, said Lt. Mike Reynolds.

“The officers were doing an area check and sure enough, they hit it rich,” Reynolds said. “His clothing was exactly the same. He wasn’t hard to find.”

Langdale is being held without bail.