Police are searching for a man who withdrew the life savings of a 97-year-old woman using her stolen ATM card, authorities said Wednesday.

The thief, whose image police say is captured on bank security surveillance video stills released by the LAPD, used the card to withdraw $300 to $500 a day from the woman's account between Aug. 16, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009.

Records show that the man made the withdrawals from 1 to 2 p.m. on those days, alternating between two Bank of America branches: one in the 100 block of Rosecrans Avenue in Gardena and another in the 300 block of East Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood.

The man is described as black, 25 to 30 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and about 170 to 180 pounds. He was seen driving a silver or gray 2000 to 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Coupe.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Newton Division burglary detectives at (323) 846-6579. After hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 or anonymously to (800) 222-TIPS (222-8477). Tipsters can also text to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cellphone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Suspect. Credit: Los Angeles Police Department

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