entered Bank of America on Las Vegas’ northeast side, and Maxie Taylor, a 23-year-old black man, to the robbery, Barela said.
The Las Vegas bank robbery occurred at 11:30 a.m. and the two men left with an undisclosed amount of cash, Barela said. Nusbaum entered the bank, lifted his shirt, showed the teller the butt of a gun and demanded money, police said.
Taylor, who also is known as Taylor Maxey, drove the get-away car about six blocks before he parked it. When officers approached the vehicle, Taylor fled on foot and was later caught by police. He was arrested and charged with murder, bank robbery and attempted murder on two police officers. The murder charge was filed because Taylor’s actions resulted in the death of Nusbaum, Barela said.
Nusbaum is believed to be responsible for between six and nine bank robberies in Las Vegas since December.
Cheryl Mimura, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles’ FBI, said Nusbaum is suspected of robbing banks throughout Southern California.
“If there is good surveillance videos, they can link him. He’s good for probably 11 in L.A. County since November 15, 2002,” she said, adding Nusbaum used a note to demand money from bank tellers. “Most bank robberies are note jobs, not take-overs, where they make you get down on the floor.”
The Santa Monica Police Department responded to Washington Mutual on Nov. 27, 2002, located at 2701 Wilshire Blvd., at 5:42 p.m. A Washington Mutual employee said a man entered the bank, approached a teller, displayed a handgun and demanded money.
But apparently he got anxious and fled through the rear of the bank before the teller could give him the cash. He was last seen running north on Princeton Avenue. No vehicle was seen or heard leaving the area, police said.
Nusbaum, who is white, was described as 38 to 48 years old, 5’6” to 5’8” tall, wearing a brown flannel shirt, a white T-shirt, brown pants and a light colored hat. Witnesses said he also was wearing a cell phone piece in his ear.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 17, 2003. Read the original PDF.