LV connection suspected in California bank robberies

Karen Zekan

Friday, Aug. 21, 1998 | 10:45 a.m.

Three men arrested Monday in connection with a local Wells Fargo Bank branch are being investigated for involvement in 42 bank robberies in Pomona, Calif., the FBI said today.

Las Vegas and California FBI agents are collaborating on a joint investigation, comparing fingerprints, witness statements and other collected evidence to determine if the three suspects in custody at Clark County Detention Center could be linked to the California crimes, said Special Agent Aurelio Flores.

Authorities have identified the suspects as Vincent Parks, 37, of Pomona; Hakim Williams, 41, of Pomona; and Ellis Clark, 39, of Las Vegas. Each has been charged with bank robbery.

The suspects are accused of entering the bank at 821 N. Rancho Dr. about 10:45 a.m. Monday armed with guns which they used to force customers to the floor and tellers to empty cash drawers. The robbers fled in a white Lincoln Town Car, ditching the vehicle on Delamar Street, near Bonanza Road and Rancho, then speeding off in a blue rental car, Metro Police said.

The suspects were tracked to 3924 Chang Dr., off Charleston Boulevard and Honolulu Street. Despite repeated attempts to get the men out of the home, police evacuated the neighborhood and called in SWAT. The suspects surrendered peacefully about noon.

Metro Lt. John Alamshaw said the blue rental car was found parked near the Chang Street home, adding that guns, ammunition and bullet-proof vests were found inside.