A serial bank robber dubbed the "Geezer Bandit" by the FBI robbed his seventh bank in San Diego County this week. The man appears to be in his 70's and totes an oxygen tank. He also carries a snub-nosed revolver inside a day planner with which he threatens tellers and is considered "armed and dangerous." When he receives the money, he tucks it into the day planner and strolls out of the bank.
The FBI, San Diego Police Department and San Diego County Sheriff's Department are offering a $16,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man, who began robbing area banks in August of last year. I think he's worth more than that, just for the movie rights. He is described as white, 6 feet tall, and weighs about 190 pounds. Some witnesses have said the robber may be wearing an old-man mask, which is reminiscent of the 90's movie, Point Break, in which a gang of surfers robs banks wearing rubber masks of ex-presidents. Bonnie and Clyde move over. I think we have ourselves a new folk hero.
This is what happens when the government doesn't give Social Security cost-of-living increases.
20 comments:
I love how reprehensible behaviour becomes cute once a person reaches senior citizen status. This gives me all kinds of things to look forward to in the future.
I think my plans for a retirement hobby have just changed. AND I won't have to worry so much about my 401k account either.
I'm pretty sure he's the last five guys my mom--who lives in CA--has dated.
Sometimes he goes by "Mario," I'm here to tell you.
Incidentally, I hope you're feeling even a tidge better. I wish I could be there to mother you.
If he's genuinely an old man, then I have to say it's a rather enterprising way of paying the bills. Better that than sitting at home feeling miserable and terrified of penury. But if it's actually a mask and he's a twenty year old, then it would just be an inexcusable robbery. Intriguing story.
My first impression is the man knows how to put a mask on that looks more natural. He is giving us senior citizens a bad rap! Speaking of social security, we did not get a raise this year like you mention. My hubby is on social security disability and his was decreased. Good thing we like each other because it takes both the incomes to make it.
LOL at Mischief's comment.
It'll be interesting to find out the person's story, once he's eventually caught.
if this was an episode of Walter the Farting Dog, I bet the oxygen tank would be filled with farts that would go off during a heist making Walter the heros
Lisa,
Reprehensible behavior is also sometimes cute in children - it's just that terrible in-between age of say, 17-60, that makes people judge us harshly. Such a small window but hard to avoid.
Bob,
Mine, too. In fact, I'm kicking myself for not having thought of it first. I could wear an old-man rubber mask and really confuse them.
Jocelyn,
Your mom must be quite a hot number if all these guys named Mario are willing to rob banks to buy her bling.
Thanks for the kind wishes. Not there yet.
Nick,
Mischief made the same point. If he's 20 and presumably able-bodied, shame on him, but if he's really elderly, hooray for his ingenuity and courage.
Babe,
There won't be any COL increases for at least three years, maybe never. And the next generation might not get Social Security benefits at all because the systems are all breaking down due to greed and stupidity. I think most couples need two incomes to survive these days in less comfort than ever.
Warts,
I must confess, part of me is hoping he evades capture (again, assuming he really IS an old man.) And part of me can hardly wait to know what his story is.
Van,
Or maybe a whoopee cushion that emits odors strong enough to clear a bank and deactivate security personnel.
An oxygen tank? Now that's a nice touch!
Agent,
It is - it's pure genius!
Makes me think of one of my favorite movies from the 70's -- "Going In Style." No oxygen tanks but some damned fine acting.
David,
I don't know that movie but will check it out. When there are no oxygen tanks, the acting really has to be good.
I'm sorry - I didn't realize you weren't well.
I hope you feel better soon.
Bob,
I don't need an oxygen tank so I figure I'm ahead of the game.
"This is what happens when the government doesn't give Social Security cost-of-living increases."
...can't get up off the floor... laughing too much... SO not funny... laughing far too much...
It's true; this ironic phenomenon that reprehensible behavior (to a point), is appealing in children and the elderly. Funny how that comes and goes with age. ;D
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
Scarlett,
It's very Buddhist. When this is, that is. When Congress votes itself a huge pay raise but cuts benefits to the elderly (which they spent their lifetimes paying for in the workforce,) they rob banks. Simple cause and effect.
And if the guy is a younger person in a mask, he should be penalized even more for giving old people a bad name.
Lat year the Soical Security cost of living adjustment rose to 5.8% -- way above inflation -- driven by the price of gasoline. This is a fix of that. Most non-retired employed people barely got any raises. The unemployed, well ...
Besides, you do realize, dontcha, that Sosical Security is not based on what people contribute, else it would be much lower.
Cecil,
I do know that the rise above inflation was used to justify not giving COLA to seniors. What I object to is that Congress voted itself a pay raise at the same time, although they get handsome salaries and many benefits the rest of us don't. It's shameful that our society in general treats its elders so poorly.
Oh I just LOVE this story! I hope it is really an old guy.
Perhaps I will try it... goodness knows, I have nothing left to lose.
Meggie,
Would you like an accomplice?
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