Public’s Help Sought in Search for “Bullet-Proof 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 an individual who is believed responsible for the robbery of at least three Chicago banks, dating to March of this year.

The most recent theft occurred on April 17th, when the Eden’s Bank branch, located at 5256 West Dempster in Skokie was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. According to witnesses, the robber entered the bank and approached the Assistant Manager and orally announced a robbery. He then displayed a handgun and forced the Assistant Manager to the teller’s counter and ordered an employee to fill a multi-colored fabric bag with cash. After the money was placed in the bag, the robber fled the bank on foot, and was last seen running north from the bank out of sight of witnesses.

Other suspected thefts include the North Community Bank branch, located at 3420 North Clark Street on April 10th and the North Community Bank branch, located at 2335 North Clark Street on March 27th. In all three robberies, no injuries were reported.

The “Bullet-Proof Bandit” is described as a white/male, 30 - 35 years of age, 6’0 – 6’2” tall, medium build, with dark hair. He has been given the moniker “Bullet-Proof Bandit” due to the fact that he is believed to wear a ballistic vest during each of his robberies. He is also armed with a handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous.    

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.

Additional information about this robber, including downloadable photographs, is available from the Chicago Bandit Tracker website, www.bandittrackerchicago.com.

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