Joshua Tree man accused in La Quinta bank robbery

A 50-year-old man suspected of robbing a U.S. Bank branch in La Quinta was arrested Sunday in the San Bernardino County community of Yucca Valley, authorities said.

Harold Henry Ghaemmaghami of Joshua Tree was detained by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies at 5741 Primrose Drive in Yucca Valley, said Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Tapp.

Investigators from the Riverside County sheriff’s Thermal Station identified him and transported him to the county jail in Indio and booked him on suspicion of armed robbery, Tapp said.

Ghaemmaghami is suspected of entering the bank at 78345 Highway 111 about 1:40 p.m. on Nov. 9 wearing a blond wig, a white bandana over his head and mirror sunglasses, Tapp said.

He allegedly approached a teller, said he had a gun and demanded cash before taking off with an undisclosed amount, Tapp said.

Authorities had circulated surveillance images of the suspect prior to his arrest.