Police Arrest Man for Two Milpitas Bank Robberies

Milpitas Police have a man in custody they believe robbed two Milpitas banks in the week before New Year's Day - including one in which he pointed a gun at a bank employee.

On Dec. 27 at about 10:02 a.m., Milpitas Police officers responded to a report of a bank robbery that had just occurred at on Landess Avenue. 

The suspect entered the bank and handed a note to a teller that demanded money.  The teller complied with the demand note and the suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

A few days later, on Dec 31 at about 11:15 a.m., Milpitas Police responded to a bank robbery that had just occurred at the on Ranch Drive.  The suspect entered the bank and handed a demand note to the teller. 

When the teller hesitated, the suspect brandished a handgun and threatened to harm the teller.  A different bank employee complied with the suspect’s demand, and the suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

Milpitas Police detectives recognized the similarities in both bank robberies and believed the same suspect committed both crimes.  Detectives developed information and identified 24-year-old Anthony Chavez of San Jose as a suspect in both robberies. The Milpitas Police Department obtained a warrant for Chavez's arrest on charges of robbery. 

On Jan. 6, officers from the San Jose Police Department located Chavez in San Jose, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives are trying to locate additional witnesses to both robberies. Anyone with information about either incident should telephone the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400.  Those who wish to remain anonymous can telephone the Crime Tip Hotline at 408-586-2500 or utilize the on-line crime tip form on the Milpitas Police Department website.