LAPD arrests suspected bank robber, 71, who had served 40 years in prison

A 71-year-old who served more than 40 years in federal custody for four bank robbery convictions was arrested on suspicion of robbing a Sun Valley bank, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Edward Bell is accused of entering a bank in the 8000 block of Vineland Avenue, near Strathern Street, on Dec. 21 with a firearm, grabbing an employee and forcing the worker to a restricted-access door.

Police released the information on the case this week.

Bell then threatened to shoot the employee if he was not granted entry, police said.

While inside the restricted area, Bell allegedly ordered another employee to fill his bag with cash before leaving with more than $60,000, police said.

Several witnesses observed Bell driving away in a 2002 silver Volvo sedan and called 911.

Officers found Bell in his car near Olinda Street and Roscoe Boulevard and took him into custody without incident, said Melissa Ohana, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson.

Detectives searched Bell’s vehicle, finding a black replica firearm and $64,000 in cash. He was booked on suspicion of kidnapping.

Bell was released in July 2021 and on supervised release, police said.