‘Chili Pepper Bandit' Arrested by FBI

The FBI and San Diego police say they have arrested the man they believe to be the "Chili Pepper Bandit." 

Roy Lee Belcher, 57, of San Diego was taken into custody Thursday as he was walking near 16th Avenue and Broadway downtown.

According to the FBI, Belcher is the lead suspect in a bank robbery at the San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union Tuesday.

In the heist, the suspect walked into the bank -- located at 320 B Street -- and demanded money from the teller, pointing a handgun throughout the robbery.

Surveillance video showed the suspect wearing a black shirt with what appears to be a red chili pepper on it, which is how the FBI came up with the nickname.

After officials released his description to the media, an SDPD officer recognized Belcher as the potential suspect.

Belcher has been booked into Central Jail on one count of robbery, and his arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 17.

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