FBI IDENTIFIES 'RED-EYE BANDIT' SUSPECT\Ex-convict linked through photo to 10 bank robberies, 7 in Antelope\Valley.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

FBI officials have released the name of a Palmdale ex-convict they've dubbed the "Red-Eye Bandit," who they believe is responsible for 10 bank robberies, seven of them in the Antelope Valley.

William Artel Miles was identified after local newspapers published a surveillance camera photo of a bank robber and residents recognized him. The robber gained his nickname after several witnesses claimed he had bloodshot eyes and a heavy odor of alcohol on his breath.

Miles, 40, was described as 5-foot-7, 157 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be an alcoholic and is known to frequent bars in the Antelope Valley, the FBI said. He was sent to state prison in 1985 after a robbery conviction and was paroled the following year, according to prison records.

Miles has been a Palmdale resident for the past two years and before that lived in the San Fernando Valley. He sometimes goes by the names Willie Miles, Wil Miles and Willie "Ace" Miles.

The most recent robbery linked to Miles occurred Tuesday after a man wearing a black beret walked up and presented a note demanding money at a Wells Fargo Bank counter inside a Lucky's supermarket in the 2500 block of East Avenue S.

"His demeanor and actions were similar to the earlier robberies," said FBI Special Agent Charles Empey.

Although the "Red-Eye Bandit" has not displayed a weapon in any of his robberies, FBI officials warn that Miles should be considered armed and dangerous, and say that anyone who sees him should contact the FBI.

Miles is suspected of five robberies in Palmdale, two in Lancaster and two in the San Fernando Valley.

Anyone with information regarding Miles or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lancaster FBI office at [phone] or the Antelope Valley sheriff's station at [phone].

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Photo William Artel Miles Called frequent bar patron