Man Robs Encinitas Bank Dressed in Santa Hat

Crime occured at the California Bank and Trust at 135 Saxony Road just before 2 p.m. Friday

After what has to be one of the more bizarre robberies to occur in recent weeks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies are searching for a man who they said robbed an Encinitas bank wearing a Santa hat on Friday afternoon.

The male suspect, also dressed in a white sweatshirt and sunglasses with athletic shoes, entered the California Bank and Trust at 135 Saxony Road just before 2 p.m., said FBI Special Agent, Darrell Foxworth.

Once inside, the suspect reportedly demanded cash, telling the teller he had a gun.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect put the cash into a green tote he was carrying and fled the scene on foot, Foxworth said.

The man was seen jogging away from the crime scene and was later spotted entering a mid-2000’s Honda Civic SUV described as gold in color with faded black wheel covers and a tilted “Honda” emblem, according to a media release.

The vehicle was last seen going northbound on Saxony Road and witnesses said the suspect appeared to have an injury to his right leg.

The man was said to be in his 50s, and between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall.

Anyone with information about the crime was asked to call the FBI at (858) 499-7810.

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