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U.S. Department of Justice 2111 W Roosevelt Rd. |
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Chicago FBI Press Office Phone: (312) 829-1199 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2008 |
PUBLIC’S HELP SOUGHT IN SEARCH FOR “STRAW HAT 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 robbery of at least three (3) Chicago banks, dating to June of this year. The most recent theft occurred on June 30 th, when the New Century Bank branch, located at 1554 West North Avenue was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. 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 and ordered her to fill a black nylon bag with cash. After the money was placed in the nylon bag and the demand note was retrieved, the robber fled the bank on foot, disappearing into the passing crowd. Other suspected thefts include the Fifth Third Bank branch, located at 1 North Wacker Drive, on June 20 th and the Fifth Third Bank branch, located at 222 South Riverside Drive, on June 19 th. In all three robberies, no injuries were reported. The “Straw Hat Bandit” is described as a black/male, 35 - 45 years of age, 5’9” - 6’ tall, medium build, with dark hair. He has been given the moniker “Straw Hat Bandit” due to the distinctive tan colored woven hat with a full brim that he has worn during each of the robberies. 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.
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