‘Gift bag bandit’ sought in Costa Mesa bank robbery

A serial bank robber known as the “gift bag bandit” struck near South Coast Plaza this week, authorities said.

The bandit, named for the type of bag he used to load cash during earlier robberies, entered a U.S. Bank at 3200 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa about 11 a.m. Tuesday, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. He pointed a handgun at a teller and demanded cash, completing his sixth heist in Orange County, Eimiller said.

According to the FBI, the robber typically brandishes a weapon and wears casual clothing such as a hooded sweat shirt, a baseball cap and dark sunglasses.

He has been linked to five earlier robberies in three cities, Eimiller said.

He hit three banks in 2011, including U.S. Bank branches in Westminster and Garden Grove and a Citibank at 2700 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa, authorities said.

Last month, he robbed two banks within a week in Garden Grove and Westminster — without his signature gift bag, according to the FBI.

Investigators described the bandit as an Asian man about 25 years old, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, and 150 pounds with a slender build and facial hair.

Surveillance photos released by federal authorities Wednesday show the bandit wearing sunglasses, a gray sweater and a white Los Angeles Dodgers cap during his latest heist.

The FBI asked anyone with information about him to call 911 or (310) 477-6565.