Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: U.S. Bank, 2048 East Avenida De Los Arboles, T.Oaks
Date & Time/ RB#: Mar. 3, 2009 @ 6:50 p.m. / 09-5475
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit

Three masked men robbed the U.S. Bank inside Vons on Avenida De Los Arboles Tuesday evening, but left without any money after being confronted by an off-duty law enforcement officer.

The three suspects stormed inside the crowded grocery store and confronted the bank employees, demanding money. In a nearby aisle, the off-duty officer heard the commotion and confronted one of the suspects with his handgun. The suspect dropped a bag of money, and all three of the robbers fled the scene.

The men left in a stolen car that they abandoned behind another store nearby. Deputies, assisted by two K-9’s, searched the surrounding neighborhood for the suspects, but did not locate them.

All of the money taken from the bank was recovered inside the store. There were no shots fired and no injuries during the robbery. The suspects wore dark, baggy clothing, full ski masks, and gloves. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this incident are asked to call detectives at (805)494-8201.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).