SFPD Arrest Serial Bank Robber
In April 2016, a series of bank robberies began in which the suspect had a unique description: a black male, 30-50 years old, approximately 6’00” tall, slim build and wearing a fake wig, fake beard, a hat and often times painting his face white in order to disguise himself even more. This suspect struck approximately once a month at various banks around the city, typically taking over the bank at gun point and directing employees and customers to the vault area where he would obtain a large sum of money.
The prolific robber’s streak ran out when the SFPD Night Investigations Unit and Special Investigations Division worked together to take the suspect into custody before he robbed a fourth bank in San Francisco. The investigation identified the suspect as Andre Mitchell Brown, a 57 year old San Francisco resident. Brown was apprehended just moments before he was about to enter a bank on the 5400 block of Geary Boulevard on August 12th. Brown was wearing a wig, fake beard, sunglasses, and gloves. Officers also recovered a loaded revolver in Brown’s possession. It was later discovered that Brown was recently released from prison after a 27 year incarceration and was a parolee on active federal probation for armed bank robbery.
Brown’s get-a-way driver, Javier Jenkins, a 44 year old San Francisco resident, was also taken into custody and booked at San Francisco County Jail on felony conspiracy and attempted robbery charges. Brown was booked at San Francisco County Jail on felony charges of attempted robbery, conspiracy, carrying a concealed firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony.
The San Francisco Police Department is working with the FBI to solve the other bank robberies for which Brown may be responsible. Due to possible outstanding witness identifications, no booking photos will be released at this time.
List of Banks Robbed
- 4/22- 2001 Van Ness Ave.
- 5/12 – San Mateo, CA
- 6/23- 2001 Union St.
- 7/11- 2001 Union St.
As this investigation is still active and ongoing, anyone with information on this bank robbery series in encouraged to contact the SFPD anonymous tip line at (415) 575-444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. The FBI can be reached 24 hours a day at (415) 553-7400. All calls are confidential. Tips can also be submitted at tips.fbi.gov.
https://bankrobbers.fbi.gov/robbers-container/2016-07-25.2033073022