Police Seek Bank Robber Who Protested Bailouts
Jim Doyle, Chronicle Staff Writer
Smiling throughout the robbery, the suspect got away with a large amount of cash.
"It's very unusual," said Sgt. Lyn Tomioka on Tuesday evening, adding that bank robbers rarely threaten to use explosives.
According to police, the suspect entered the Bank of America at 50 California Street at about 12:50 p.m. last Wednesday and asked to speak with the manager because he wanted to make a large withdrawal.
The man, described as 6' and weighing about 190 lbs., was carrying a black lap top case.
The manager escorted the customer to a private room, where the suspect explained that he was employed by an organization that is concerned about U.S. government bailouts of corporations.
Sgt. Tomioka said the suspect demanded cash, stating that he would detonate a bomb that he was carrying if his demand for cash was not met. It is unclear whether he actually possessed such a device.
The money, the suspect explained, "would go to people who deserve it."
The manager withdrew a large amount of cash from a vault and gave it to the suspect, who quickly departed on foot. He was last seen wearing a baseball cap with "SF" on it, a khaki buttoned shirt, and blue jeans.
"I don't know if he ran or walked, but he left the area," Tomioka said.
E-mail Jim Doyle at jdoyle@sfchronicle.com