U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation

2111 W Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL, 60608.
Phone (312) 421-6700

Chicago FBI Press Office

Phone: (312) 829-1199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 23, 2008

PUBLIC’S HELP SOUGHT IN SEARCH FOR “DEBONAIR BANDIT”

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual depicted in the attached wanted flyer, who is believed responsible for the armed robbery of at least four (4) Chicago banks, beginning in November of this year.

The most recent theft occurred on December 18 th, when the U.S. Bank Branch, located at 1953 North Clybourn was robbed. According to witnesses, the robber entered the bank and approached a teller, placing a demand note on her counter. He then orally announced a robbery, implied he had a weapon, and threatened to harm the bank employee if his demands were not met. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber fled the bank on foot, disappearing into a passing crowd. In all four robberies, no injuries were reported.

The “Debonair Bandit” is described as a black male, 40 to early 50 years of age, 5’9” – 5’11” tall, over 200 lbs. He has been given the moniker “Debonair Bandit” due his well-dressed, dapper appearance. He wears a jacket or topcoat, a Fedora hat, leather gloves, and carries a leather attaché case.

This case is being investigated by the Chicago FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), which is comprised of FBI Special Agents, Detectives from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone recognizing this individual or having any information about this robbery is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Additional copies of the wanted flyer are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.