Public’s Help Sought in Search for “Fencing 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 below wanted flyer, who is believed responsible for the robbery of a Park Forest, Illinois bank in June of this year.

The robber entered the US Bank branch located at 99 Indianwood Boulevard in Park Forest on June 11, 2011. He approached the teller counter, announced a robbery, and demanded cash. After receiving cash from the first teller, he then went to a second teller’s window and reached over the counter to take money out of the teller’s drawer on his own. He accomplished this by performing what witnesses described as a belly-flop onto the counter. The robber then fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. A witness outside the bank reported that he left the area in a white compact car. No injuries were reported during the robbery.

Although the robber was captured in surveillance photographs, his identity remains a mystery because he was covered head-to-toe in dark clothing, including gloves. To further conceal his identity, the robber donned a mask such as those worn while fencing. The mask was made of a dark mesh that covered his face completely. It was this unusual choice of mask that earned him the name “Fencing Bandit.”

The “Fencing Bandit” is described as a black/male, 5’9”- 5’10” tall, 175-180 pounds.

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

This case is being investigated by Chicago FBI in coordination with local authorities.

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.