Chatsworth - On Tuesday, March 27, 2001, at approximately 12:00 P.M., two-armed robbery suspects entered the Washington Mutual Bank, located at 10370 Mason Avenue in Devonshire Division.

The suspects committed a take-over robbery, taking an undisclosed amount of U. S. currency. The suspects fled the scene in a white get-away vehicle, followed by three additional suspects who acted as lookouts, in a black vehicle.

Responding officers observed the suspects' vehicles. The officers effected a felony stop and arrest all five suspects without incident. Officers recovered the money, weapons and other items used in the commission of the crime.

All suspects were booked at Jail Division for First Degree Robbery. The suspects are identified as follows:

• Akhir Muhaimin, 21 years old, a resident of Baldwin Park.
• Alander Leon Smith II, 22 years old, a resident of Gardena.
• Tason Lawson Bryant, 21 years old, a resident of Los Angeles.
• Danny Lee Fotno, 21 years old, a resident of Inglewood.
• Mark Starling Carter, 18 years old, a resident of Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division, Bank Section and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation. For additional information contact Lieutenant Jim Grayson at Robbery-Homicide Division, Bank Section at 213-485-2511.

This was the second bank robbery in a month, in the Devonshire Area, in which the suspects were apprehended by the officers' quick response. On February 26, 2001, two bank robbery suspects were arrested after committing a take-over robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 10225 Balboa Boulevard.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.