Stephen Ellison

Danville Bank Robbery Suspect is a Former LAPD Officer

The suspect in an East Bay bank robbery is a former police officer, according to an online profile.

Police said 36-year-old Jennifer Rae McClary dressed in disguise and drew a beard on her face before allegedly robbing a Bank of the West branch in Danville on Tuesday.

As it turns out, it's a tactic she may have witnessed before.

McClary was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of bank robbery and possession of a controlled substance, police said.

McClary's LinkedIn profile shows she was an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department from 2006 to May 2008 then worked as a probationary police officer from 2008 to 2010 for the Placentia Police Department.

A spokesman said McClary completed a six-month training program, but did not meet all probationary requirements to become a full-time officer in the northern Orange County city, said Placentia Sgt. Bryce Angel.

"I saw the picture, and I was just as surprised as anybody else," Angel said. "It's kind of sad that anyone would fall to that level in life... She obviously had some issues she was dealing with. It's very unfortunate."

On Tuesday, McClary handed the Bank of the West teller a note demanding cash, and no weapon was used or shown, Danville police said. She then fled on foot before police tracked her down.

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