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U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation
In Reply, Please Refer to Release No.
2111 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(312) 829-1199

 

May 3, 2007

PUBLIC'S HELP SOUGHT IN SEARCH FOR"PAINT BY NUMBERS BANDIT"

 

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is seeking the public's assistance in providing information that will lead to the arrest of a serial bank robber dubbed the "Paint By Numbers Bandit" who is believed to be responsible for four armed bank robberies this year.

Each of the robberies took place at TCF Bank branches during February and March of 2007.  The robberies are detailed as follows:
                   2/12/2007:   2128 Manheim Rd., Westchester (Jewel TCF)
                   2/25/2007:   7122 W. 40th Rd., Stickney (Jewel TCF)
                   3/16/2007:   9424 S. Pulaski, Oak Lawn  (Jewel TCF)
                   3/17/2007:   9357 S. Roberts Rd., Hickory Hills (Stand-alone TCF)

In each of the robberies, the robber entered the grocery store/ bank, approached the teller and presented a note demanding money and threatening a weapon.  During the most recent two the robberies, he displayed his handgun to the tellers.

The "Paint By Numbers Bandit" is described as a thin, white male with brown hair and facial stubble.  He is approximately six-feet tall and weights about 175 pounds.  In each robbery, he wore a distinctive black winter coat with long, continuous red stripes running across the front, back, and sleeves of the jacket.  He has also worn baseball caps and work gloves while conducting the robberies.  Much of his clothing appears to be spattered with paint leading investigators to believe he works in the field of construction or remodeling, perhaps as a painter or laborer.

TCF bank is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the "Paint By Numbers Bandit."

On 3/31/2007, WFLD-TV (Fox 32) previously featured the "Paint By Numbers Bandit" on their "Chicago's Most Wanted" segment.
                  
EDITOR'S NOTE: Copies of bank surveillance photographs of the suspect are available from the Chicago FBI Press Office: 312-829-1199