Blog Archives
The Hypnotist Bandit is Terrorizing California
Wet Bandits – FBI agents are hunting a “Hypnotist Bandit,” who makes major eye contact during bank robberies.
The suspect reportedly stares at tellers as he hands over his demand note — and then refuses to look away as they hand over the cash.
He’s believed to have hit up four money houses in California in the past week.
Striking twice on June 3, he allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash from institutions in in Temple City and South El Monte.
The mesmerizing marauder is also accused of robbing another bank in Pasadena on May 27.
“Who makes major eye contact during bank robberies.” That’s a first. So this guy is being persecuted because he has fantastic people skills? Isn’t that what everyone is complaining about nowadays? All those kids texting and playing Candy Crush instead of some good old fashioned conversation and eye contact. I guess what he makes up for in eye contact he lacks in decision making skills. Is robbing a bank smart? Probably not, but this guy isn’t perfect. Do you expect him to have perfect people skills AND make all the right decisions? I think that’s asking too much of a flawed human being. On a serious note, does this guy carry a weapon? I’ve read the article and nowhere does it mention that he has a gun or a knife or anything. He just hands you a note, stares into your soul and takes all your money. That’s power.
– Ryan
Has Anyone Been More Undeserving of a Nickname Than the “Snowboarder Bandit”?
(Source) “A Riverside man dubbed the “Snowboarder Bandit” because of his ski-type clothing and youthful appearance pleaded guilty Thursday to robbing banks throughout Orange County, including one in Newport Beach and three in Irvine.
Michael Brandon Franks, 30, was convicted of 10 felony counts of second-degree robbery and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.
Franks committed 10 robberies at nine banks between December 2011 and March 2012, the Daily Pilot reported.
In each of the robberies, Franks entered the bank wearing distinctive headgear that included a motorcycle helmet or beanie and sunglasses. He then slipped the bank teller a note that stated he had a gun and demanded money, prosecutors said.
Irvine police, with the assistance of FBI agents and Orange County sheriff’s deputies, arrested Franks at his home in Riverside in May 2012.
At the time of his arrest, authorities found money “fanned out” in the passenger side of Franks’ vehicle, a ripped up demand note and several used Band-Aids that were used to cover his fingertips, according to the district attorney’s office.
Franks faces up to 10 years and six months in state prison when he is sentenced in January.”
I have to admit when I read this article I was jealous of this guy. Not only is he robbing banks, but the cops slapped him with a cool ass nickname. “The Snowboarder Bandit”. Ironic, since he lives in California, but still cool. I pictured him sliding in on a snowboard in full gear and goggles and calmy saying “give me your money dudes”. All the female bank tellers secretly love him and the security guards straight up respect his style. Turns out the “snowboarder bandit” wears a sweater vest, jeans, sneakers and a winter hat. Whoever is giving out bank robbing nicknames needs to reevaluate their criteria. This is bullshit. Not one thing about this guy makes me think he goes snowboarding. Call him the “winter hat in a tropical climate bandit”. That seems a little more fitting. I’m glad this guy got arrested. That’s what he gets for living a lie.
– Ryan
