A notorious 71-year-old “serial bank robber,” Bruce Edward Bell, has been apprehended once again by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) following a recent heist in the Sun Valley neighborhood. The robbery took place on December 21, 2023, and Bell allegedly stole over $60,000 in cash from a bank. This marks Bell’s fifth bank robbery conviction, as he has spent more than 40 years behind bars for his previous crimes.
According to the LAPD, surveillance footage from the incident shows Bell entering the bank and pointing a firearm at employees. He then forced an employee to accompany him to a restricted-access area, threatening to shoot if denied entry. Once inside, Bell ordered another employee to fill his bag with cash before fleeing the scene with the stolen money.
Investigators have released the surveillance footage in hopes of identifying additional victims of Bell’s robberies. The LAPD believes there may be other individuals who have been victimized by Bell but have not yet come forward.
Following the robbery, witnesses reported seeing Bell driving away in a silver Volvo sedan. Police were alerted and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, leading to Bell’s arrest. A search of his vehicle uncovered a replica firearm and $64,000 in cash. Bell is currently facing a kidnapping charge, and his bail has been set at $1.6 million.
The LAPD is urging anyone with information or potential victimization by Bell to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. Bell’s history as a repeat offender highlights the need for heightened vigilance and security measures within the banking industry.
In conclusion, Bruce Edward Bell’s latest arrest for a bank robbery in Los Angeles has once again brought attention to his long history of criminal activity. With surveillance footage and recovered evidence, law enforcement authorities are focused on identifying any additional victims and ensuring justice is served. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures to safeguard against such crimes.
