ANTIOCH, CA – A duo suspected of a series of bank heists across Northern California has been apprehended, law enforcement officials announced Wednesday. Brandon Lopez, 37, and Tamara Bush, 43, both residents of Antioch, are believed to be involved in at least six bank robberies or attempted robberies in cities including San Jose, Modesto, Milpitas, Fremont, and Sacramento.
The authorities began tracking the pair following a bank robbery in San Jose on February 12. During this incident, a male suspect, later identified as Lopez, handed a note to the bank teller demanding cash. The note reportedly stated, “I need all the money in both your drawers. Be quick. No games.”
The suspect successfully fled the scene with over $1,000 in cash. Following this incident, investigators linked Lopez to five other bank robberies across Northern California, where he allegedly used a similar modus operandi of passing notes to tellers demanding money.
Bush, on the other hand, was identified as the driver who facilitated the escape after each robbery. On March 6, authorities executed a search warrant at Lopez’s residence in Antioch. The search resulted in the discovery of an unregistered loaded Glock firearm and ammunition.
Subsequently, both Lopez and Bush were arrested and are currently held at the Santa Clara County Mail Jail on robbery charges. They are expected to face additional charges in other counties.