San Diego, California – The FBI’s San Diego office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man dubbed the “Blue Glove Bandit,” wanted in connection with a bank robbery in El Cajon last September.
According to investigators, the robbery occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on September 4, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1235 Avocado Avenue, near the intersection of Chase Avenue. The suspect entered the branch and immediately escalated the situation by grabbing a customer and using them as a hostage while demanding money from a bank teller.
Though the suspect never displayed a weapon, he told bank employees he was armed, prompting staff to comply with his demands. Fearing for the hostage’s safety, the teller handed over approximately $547. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, heading northbound toward the nearby intersection of Chase and Avocado Avenues.
Surveillance footage from the scene shows the suspect wearing black clothing, blue jeans, a black face mask, and distinctive blue latex gloves — a feature that led authorities to coin the nickname “Blue Glove Bandit.”
FBI officials describe the suspect as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with an average to thin build. Despite the dramatic nature of the robbery, no injuries were reported.
In a statement, the FBI emphasized the seriousness of the crime: “During the robbery, the suspect used a customer as a human shield, endangering lives. Although no weapon was seen, the threat of violence was real and created a terrifying situation for both employees and customers.”
The FBI is urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to call 1-888-580-8477. All tips can be submitted anonymously.
Authorities hope that someone in the community recognizes the suspect’s appearance or behavior and will come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. The Blue Glove Bandit remains at large, and the FBI continues to pursue leads to bring him into custody.
Anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery or who may have witnessed the suspect fleeing the scene is encouraged to reach out.
