Public’s Help Sought in Search for “Blazing 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 who is believed responsible for the armed take-over robbery of three (3) Rockford, Illinois banks dating to April of last year.

The most recent theft attributed to this individual occurred on December 14 of last year, when the National City Bank branch, located at 6079 East Riverside, was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. According to witnesses, the robber entered the bank, approached the teller counter armed with a handgun, and orally announced a robbery. After getting an undisclosed amount of cash from the first teller, he demanded cash from a second teller who was working the drive-thru window, threatening both individuals with harm, if his instructions were not followed. The robber then fled the bank and was seen getting into a red Nissan Pathfinder, which had been reported stolen the previous day.

Later that day, the stolen vehicle was found in the area of 2nd and 3rd Avenues in Rockford, after someone had unsuccessfully attempted to burn the vehicle.

The other suspected thefts were at the Generations Credit Union, 5618 Harrison Avenue, Rockford; and the National City Bank branch, 6079 East Riverside Boulevard, Rockford. He has been dubbed the “Blazing Bandit” inasmuch as the robber used stolen vehicles in the commission of these bank robberies. The stolen vehicles were later discovered just blocks away and all had been set afire. No injuries have been reported in any of the robberies.

The “Blazing Bandit” is described as a black/male, 5’6” - 5’10” tall, 170 - 190 lbs., medium build. He has worn a black/navy blue hooded sweatshirt with hood up, black ski mask/navy blue bandana over face, black gloves, and dark colored sweatpants.

Additional information about this case and other unsolved Chicago area bank robberies, including downloadable photographs, is available online at the Bandit Tracker website, www.bandittrackerchicago.com.

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

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