‘Snowbird Bandit’ arrested for OC bank robberies, identified as retired LAPD

The former LAPD detective had been linked to five bank robberies beginning in March, according to the sheriff’s department, including two in Rancho Santa Margarita, about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Los Angeles.

After months of eluding police in south Orange County, authorities have arrested a retired Los Angeles police detective, a man they say is the so-called Snowbird Bandit.

Seventy-year-old Randolph Bruce Adair was arrested Wednesday in Rancho Santa Margarita in connection with five robberies this year.

The 70-year-old Adair was booked on suspicion of robbery and an outstanding warrant. He earned the nickname Snowbird Bandit because of his age and casual appearance, like that of winter time resident.

The agency said the robber displayed a revolver as he demanded cash from tellers and in one case carried a white pouch with the word “Medic” printed on it.

On Wednesday, around 12:30 p.m., several family members of Adair contacted Rancho Santa Margarita sheriff’s deputies.

The robberies took place at California Bank and Trust in Dana Point, First Citizens Bank in Rancho Santa Margarita, Wells Fargo Bank in Mission Viejo, U.S. Bank in Ladera Ranch and First Citizens Bank in Rancho Santa Margarita, officials said. Adair is being held on over 200-thousand dollars bail. Preciado told the newspaper he was hired in December 1967 and retired in October 1988, after working in the Rampart Division. Investigators say they intend to pursue federal charges against the man.