Authorities in Los Angeles re-arrested a 71-year-old serial bank robber who has already served more than 40 years in prison for committing crimes of such nature, CBS News reported. In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department said 71-year-old Bruce Edward Bell was taken into custody on December 23 after he robbed a bank in Sun Valley.
Authorities said Bell made his way into the establishment and grabbed a worker before aiming a gun. He then ordered the employee to head towards a restricted-access door. He is said to have subsequently “demanded entry into the secure area and stated he would otherwise shoot the employee.”
After gaining access to the secure area, the 71-year-old suspect ordered a different employee to load cash into his bag, police said, adding that he then fled the scene with more than $60,000.
Witnesses who called 911 reported that Bell drove away in a 2002 silver Volvo sedan. The vehicle was later spotted by responding officers who then “conducted a high-risk traffic stop.” Police also said the responding officers detained Bell and recovered a black replica firearm as well as $64,000.00 in cash following a search of his car.
Authorities said Bell has previously been convicted of bank robbery on four separate occasions and has served over 40 years in the Federal Department of Corrections.
“Bell was released in July 2021 and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest,” the LAPD also stated. “Investigators believe there are other victims of robbery by Bell who have yet to be identified.”
