South Bay Man Arrested in “Green Gaiter Bandit” Serial Bank Robberies; Second Suspect Sought

LOS ANGELES — A South Bay man has been arrested and charged federally with multiple bank robberies following an investigation by the FBI and multiple law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles and Orange counties, the FBI announced March 2. 

Christopher Paul Daniels, 55, of Torrance, was arrested on Feb.27, in Palos Verdes Estates. Daniels made his initial court appearance on Feb. 28, after being charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana. Daniels was denied bond and was remanded to federal custody.   

FBI agents and officers from multiple police departments responded to 19 bank robberies or attempted robberies in various cities in Orange and Los Angeles counties since October 2021, committed by a suspect described as a white male. The nickname, “Green Gaiter Bandit” was ascribed to the case to keep track of the numerous crimes in multiple cities.

Daniels has been linked to at least 12 of the robberies committed during this time. At least one additional white male suspect is being sought for the remainder of the robberies.   

Daniels wore a green camouflage gaiter covering part of his face during some of the robberies, according to an affidavit in support of the complaint. The complaint charges Daniels with bank robberies or attempted bank robberies in three cities and alleges Daniels is suspected in at least eight others.

Investigators also believe that seven additional robberies conducted within the past few months were separately committed by a similarly described bandit. Those robberies are under investigation.   

The continuing investigation which led to Daniels’ arrest, as well as the continuing investigation to identify an additional suspect or suspects, is being conducted by multiple agencies.