O.C. serial bank robber nabbed just before latest stickup: OCSD

A Mission Viejo man was arrested for a string of bank robberies while trying to rob yet another bank, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Che Lewis, 30, was arrested Friday “while attempting an additional bank robbery in the city of Anaheim,” the OCSD said in a news release.

That target, a U.S. Bank, was among at least three other banks in Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch that Lewis allegedly robbed in July and August, officials said.

“Based off evidence left at the scene and using investigative techniques, Lewis was believed to be responsible for each of these bank robberies as well as an additional attempted bank robbery in Ladera Ranch that occurred on August 7, 2024,” the release said.

Lewis was booked into the Orange County Jail on a charge of attempted robbery related to Anaheim, while charges for the other incidents are pending. Jail records indicate he has since been transferred to the Theo Lacy Facility.

Investigators believe Lewis may have robbed more banks in Orange County and elsewhere.

Anyone with information is asked to call 714-647-7000.

To report information anonymously, call 855-TIP-OCCS (847-6227) or visit occrimestoppers.org .

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