A 33-year-old man suspected in six Honolulu bank robberies, including a Halloween heist in which police say he dressed as a clown, has been arrested in California. ‘Clown’ bank robber suspect
is arrested in San FranciscoBy Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.comFBI agents arrested Chris Kegler Friday night as he got off a plane in San Francisco, police said yesterday.
Kegler is suspected in a string of bank robberies beginning February 2002, including the Halloween day robbery at the Foodland Market City Shopping Center branch of American Savings Bank, in which police say he wore a rainbow-colored wig, white makeup and a red clown nose.
Police also suspect Kegler in Friday's heist of First Hawaiian Bank's Liliha branch in which the suspect entered the bank, waited in line and demanded money at about 9:15 a.m. He was then seen in a taxi headed for the airport.
Police later determined Kegler had boarded a plane for the mainland, and contacted the FBI, said Lt. Letha DeCaires, coordinator of CrimeStoppers for the Honolulu Police Department.
San Francisco FBI special agents arrested Kegler without incident.
"Kalihi patrol officers did an incredible job of investigating the last bank robbery ... and locating the taxi the suspect left in," said DeCaires.
Kegler will be extradited to Hawaii, police said.
Kegler faces indictments in Friday's robbery, the Sept. 28 robbery at the Market City Foodland branch of American Savings Bank and the Oct. 31 Halloween robbery.
Police also suspect Kegler robbed the Makiki branch of First Hawaiian Bank Feb. 27, 2002, the Star Market Kamehameha Shopping Center branch of Bank of Hawaii Oct. 19 and Bank of Hawaii's Moiliili branch Nov. 1.