Bank robber ID'd as runaway, 15

A runaway from Hayward who turns 15 today has been identified as the petite young woman who so far has robbed two banks and a check- cashing business in Oakland and San Leandro, police said Wednesday.

Police said the girl, a member of a Hayward street gang, robbed one bank shortly after running away from home Oct. 12.

The Oakland Tribune is not printing the girl's name because of her age.

The girl was identified as the suspect after an Oakland police officer saw a flier with her picture and name that was distributed to local police after she ran away.

He noticed the similarities between the flier picture and bank surveillance photos of the robbery suspect, and notified investigators.

Oakland police Officer Ray Sethna said he has obtained a no-bail probable cause arrest warrant for the teenager.

"There is no doubt in my mind if she is not caught she will strike again," said Sethna, adding investigators think the girl might have an accomplice.

The suspect first struck Oct. 7, when she robbed the Bank of America branch on Lake Park Avenue in Oakland, police said.

About 11:40 a.m. Oct. 12, the girl entered California Check Cashing, 10700 MacArthur Blvd., in Oakland and gave an employee a demand note; she also delivered a profanity-filled verbal demand, Sethna said.

The employee hesitated briefly, causing the girl to reach inside her waistband as if she had a gun, although none was seen.

When the employee still hesitated, the girl fled on foot.

Sethna said the girl returned to her Hayward home and got into an argument with her mother before packing some clothes and leaving.

Soon after that, she robbed the Citibank branch at 1300 E. 14th St. in San Leandro, police said.

Police said the demand notes have all been similar.

Sethna confirmed the girl has a prior arrest for auto theft.

She is described as Latina, about 4 feet 9 inches tall and 115 pounds with long, dark hair. She has the numbers 510 tattooed on her back.

Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $2,000 in reward money for information leading to the girl's arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Oakland police at 238-3326, San Leandro police at 577-3239 or Crime Stoppers at 238-6946.

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