5 arrested following string of takeover-style bank robberies

SEATTLE -- The FBI arrested five suspects Thursday believed to be responsible for a string of takeover-style bank robberies across Washington.

The men are suspected of being part of a group that has robbed at least three Western Washington banks, including a Sept. 6 robbery of a US Bank Branch in Lakewood, Wash, an Oct. 20 robbery of a Wells Fargo Bank in Seattle and a Dec. 20  robbery of a Wells Fargo Bank in Kirkland, Wash.

According to police, the group entered the banks in loose-style clothing and demand money. The men  jumped over teller counters and threatened bank employees, police said.

One of the five suspects, a 46-year-old man, is from Tacoma. The other four suspects are from Los Angeles, Calif. They were arrested Thursday and have not yet been formally charged.

Two other individuals from Los Angeles, Calif., are still being pursued by police.  The group is also suspected of robbing banks in Michigan and Ohio.

The FBI South Sound Gang Task Force and the Lakewood Police Department's Gang Unit will continue to investigate the case, officials said.