Chatsworth Man Held in 3 Bank Robberies

Police who arrested a Chatsworth man on suspicion of attempting to start a fire at a gas station took him into custody on robbery charges after recognizing him as wanted in connection with three bank holdups, authorities said.

The owner of a Mobil gas station in the 7200 block of Reseda Boulevard in Reseda told police that Raymond D. Hellums, 32, was trying to cause an explosion by igniting a cigarette lighter in front of a gas pump nozzle Saturday, said Detective Larry De Losh.

Hellums wrestled with the officers when they tried to take him into custody, said Sgt. Bob Weisz, who was at the scene. Hellums appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic, Weisz said.

At the West Valley police station, “officers recognized Hellums from a photo of a previous bank robber,” De Losh said.

When questioned, Hellums admitted robbing three banks, De Losh said. Since October, 1991, Hellums had robbed a California Federal Bank in Reseda, an American Savings Bank in Tarzana and a Security Pacific Bank in Northridge on Jan. 3, getting away with a total of $3,000, De Losh said.