`KANGAROO BANDIT' SOUGHT IN HOLDUP.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

SAUGUS - The ``Kangaroo Bandit'' - so named because of the backpack he has sported in a string of bank robberies from Santa Barbara to San Diego- is the prime suspect in a Saugus heist, officials said Monday.

The gunman approached an employee of the Bank of America in the 16800 block of Bouquet Canyon Road as she was locking up at 6:02 p.m. Friday, officials said. Wearing sunglasses, a white T-shirt and black vest, he pointed a gun to her stomach and ordered her to unlock the side door, said FBI spokeswoman Cheryl Mimura. He ran into the bank, took an undisclosed amount of cash from a teller and escaped on foot.

The man had a backpack slung over one shoulder. Although the so-called Kangaroo Bandit wears a backpack in front, like a pouch, authorities believe he committed the Friday robbery.

The Kangaroo Bandit also is suspected in the Feb. 1 robbery of the Washington Mutual Bank on McBean Parkway. Authorities described the suspect as very fair-skinned, 23 to 28 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, and 170 to 185 pounds. He entered the bank just after 6 p.m. sporting a fake beard, sunglasses, a baseball cap and a backpack worn in front.

The bandit is suspected of committing robberies in Calabasas, Camarillo, Brentwood, Duarte, Azusa, Irvine, La Habra, Solana Beach and Mission Viejo. A $15,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.