Police Investigate Third Westamerica Bank Robbery in Marin

Police are searching for a bank robber who stole money from a Westamerica Bank in North San Rafael Friday afternoon, marking the third Westamerica Bank robbery in Marin in the last four weeks.

At 1:35 p.m., a man walked in to the bank, located at 1 Mitchell Blvd. and demanded money from the bank teller and then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to Sgt. Roy Leon.

"Witnesses were unable to confirm if they observed a weapon," Leon said.

No one spotted a suspect vehicle.

The man was described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, between 5 foot 7 inches and 5 foot 9 inches with an average build and was clean shaven. He was wearing a black or dark gray beanie, black sunglasses, a dark gray hooded sweatshirt and dark blue jeans.

The description of the suspect and the crime is similar to a Jan. 4 robbery at the Westamerica Bank located at 1177 Francisco Blvd. in San Rafael. In that incident, according to police spokeswoman Margo Rohrbacher. He fled on foot after receiving the cash. No weapon was seen or mentioned.

Police linked that crime with another Westamerica Bank robbery in Novato on Jan. 10. The branch in Ignacio was robbed of an undisclosed amount at 3:51 p.m. and the suspect fled on foot. No one was hurt and no weapon was used, police said.

"Based on appearance and similar MO, they appear to be the same suspect, though we are still actively working the case," Novato police Lt. Jennifer Welch said.

Although the cases are similar, San Rafael police Lt. Dan Fink said they are not prepared to confirm that the suspect from the Jan. 4 and Jan. 10 incidents is the same person.

Anyone with information about the San Rafael crime is asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222.8477. Callers can remain anonymous. Tips can be made online at www.bayareacrimestoppers.org.