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

October 1, 2008

PUBLIC'S HELP SOUGHT IN SEARCH FOR "MOTORCYCLE 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 on the attached wanted flyer, who is believed responsible for the armed robbery of at least two (2) Tinley Park banks, dating to June of this year.

The most recent theft occurred on September 15th, when the First Savings Bank of Hegewisch, located at 17501 South 80th Avenue, was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. According to witnesses, the robber entered the bank and approached a teller, orally announcing a robbery and demanding cash. The robber was armed with a box cutter or hunting knife, which he used to threaten bank employees.

After obtaining money from the teller, the robber fled the bank and was seen escaping the area on a late model Suzuki motorcycle, white or silver in color with blue lettering, similar to the one depicted on the attached wanted flyer. The motorcycle bore a license plate, but witnesses were unable to read the number.

The other suspected theft occurred on June 28th at the Citizens Financial Bank branch, located at 7231 West 171st Street, also in Tinley Park. No injuries were reported in either robbery, which are being investigated jointly by the FBI and the Tinley Park Police Department.

The “Motorcycle Bandit” is described as a white/male, age undetermined, 5’7” – 5’10” tall, medium to stocky build, with dark hair. During the first robbery, he was wearing a distinctive racing style jacket with the number “9” on the front. In both robberies, he concealed his identity with a ski mask.

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.