FBI SEEKING PUBLIC'S HELP IN FINDING ROBBER IN PONYTAIL.

Byline: Ryan Oliver Staff Writer

A soft-spoken man the FBI has dubbed the ponytail bandit is being sought in connection with nine bank robberies in the San Fernando Valley since August.

Investigators on Thursday released the suspect's photo, recorded by surveillance cameras, in hopes the public can assist in his capture.

``He's got a very distinct look,'' said FBI spokeswoman Laura Bosley. ``He's very much in control during the robberies, walks calmly and speaks softly. But he's very demanding and threatens to kill (cashiers).''

The latest heist came Saturday when the ponytail-wearing man, believed to be in his 50s, entered the Citibank in the 6700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. The FBI says his spree began Aug. 2 at a Union bank in the 14300 block of Roscoe Boulevard.

In each heist, the man approaches the teller, places a briefcase on the counter, opens it and pulls out a note demanding money, Bosley said. The typewritten note states he will begin shooting if the teller doesn't comply, she said.

No weapon has ever been shown by the suspect during the robberies, she said.

The man's nonthreatening look and calm voice has caught at least one bank employee off-guard, she said.

``In one robbery, the teller says to the suspect, 'You got to be kidding me.'''

``He just continued to look at her and said, 'Pull your money out,''' Bosley said.

After getting the cash, the suspect then walks away. In one instance, investigators believe he may have fled in a white, early '80s model sedan, she said.

``Nine bank robberies in that short of a time is high, but ... we have several serial bandits outstanding,'' Bosley said. ``The more they rob, the more they increase their chances of making a mistake.''

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact the FBI's Los Angeles office at [phone].

Ryan Oliver, [phone]

ryan.oliver(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(1 -- 2) Two views of a soft-spoken bank robber show a man with a ponytail.