Suspect Taken Into Custody after Robbing Chase Bank

Joe Ornelas, a 29 year-old Norwalk resident is in custody this evening after robbing Chase Bank in the 15600 block of Whittier Blvd. At 5:15pm, Ornelas entered the bank and demanded money from the teller. No weapons were seen, however, the suspect received approximately $2000 and fled the bank. There were no die packs placed in the bag prior to the suspect fleeing but Ornelas was seen leaving in a gold colored Chevy Tahoe.

Though not assigned to the call, another Whittier Police Officer was monitoring the radio and saw a car matching the description in the area of Painter Avenue and Mulberry Road. He began to follow the Tahoe while waiting for additional units to arrive. Ultimately, a felony traffic stop was conducted and Ornelas was detained while in possession of the money. He was subsequently arrested and booked for robbery at the Whittier Jail.