On May 16, 2016, at approximately 9:50 am, BHPD responded to a call of a bank robbery at the Bank of America in the 9400 block of Wilshire Boulevard. A teller reported that a suspect entered the bank and simulated a handgun and demanded money. The teller complied and handed the suspect cash from their drawer. The observant teller made detailed mental notes of the suspect’s appearance. Another sharp bank employee was able to provide responding officers with a detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle. Unfortunately for the suspect, that employee was late for work and was slowed by the suspect’s extremely unhurried driving for several blocks down Wilshire Boulevard while in route to commit the robbery. The employee recognized him while he was standing in line as the driver of the green Lexus who was blocking his way.
Based on the suspect and vehicle description, responding officers were able to locate the suspect in the area of Beverwil Drive south of Pico Boulevard. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody at the intersection of Cashio Street and Edris Drive in Los Angeles without incident. All monies were recovered and no firearm was located. Arrested was Bernard Harris, 73 of Los Angeles.