SUN VALLEY, Calif.—A 71-year-old who served over 40 years in federal custody for four bank robbery convictions was arrested on suspicion of robbing a Sun Valley bank, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced Jan. 9.
Edward Bell allegedly entered a bank in the 8000 block of Vineland Avenue, near Strathern Street, on Dec. 21 with a firearm, then grabbed an employee and forced the worker to a restricted-access door, police said.
Mr. Bell then threatened to shoot the employee if he was not granted entry into the secured area, police said.
While Mr. Bell was inside the restricted area, he allegedly ordered another employee to fill his bag with cash before leaving the area with over $60,000, police said.
Several witnesses observed Mr. Bell driving away in a 2002 silver Volvo sedan and called 911.
Officers located him in his vehicle near the intersection of Olinda Street and Roscoe Boulevard where he was taken into custody without incident, Melissa Ohana, a Los Angeles Police Department public information officer, told City News Service.
Detectives searched Mr. Bell’s vehicle, recovering a black replica firearm and $64,000 in cash. He was booked on suspicion of kidnapping, police said.
Mr. Bell was released in July 2021 and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest, police said.
Investigators have said they believe there are other victims of robbery by Mr. Bell who have yet to be identified. Police released photographs of Mr. Bell Tuesday in hopes those victims will come forward, police said.
Anyone with information regarding Sun Valley bank robbery was urged to call LAPD Detectives Christian Mrakich or Emily Delph at 213-486-6840 or [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
