FBI Continues to Search for Hooded Bandit

The FBI is renewing its request for assistance from the public in the effort to identify and locate the individual they have dubbed the Hooded Bandit, believed to have struck for a sixth time late yesterday, April 7, at a Bensenville bank branch. Robert J. Holley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, made the request today as he also restated the FBI’s reward offer of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the Hooded Bandit.

The Hooded Bandit, whose moniker stems from his habit of covering his head with a hood during the commission of each of the robberies, is now thought to be responsible for at least six suburban robberies. At approximately 4:20 p.m. yesterday, he entered the Chase Bank branch located at 133 West Grand Avenue in Bensenville and approached a teller window. After making a quiet but threatening demand for money and receiving cash from the bank employee, the robber left the bank on foot. He did not display a weapon during yesterday’s robbery, but he was armed with a silver handgun during the first robbery he is believed to have committed. That robbery occurred over a year ago at a BMO Harris Bank branch in Wood Dale.

The Hooded Bandit is described as a white male, 50 to 60 years old, weighing approximately 165 pounds. While he has kept his head covered during all of his robberies, witnesses have described him as having gray facial hair.

Anyone recognizing this individual or having any information about the robberies is asked to call the Chicago Field Office of the FBI at (312) 421-6700. This case is being investigated by the FBI in coordination with local authorities.

Photographs and additional information about the Hooded Bandit, including a complete listing of all the robberies he is believed to have committed, are available from the Chicago Bandit Tracker website, www.bandittrackerchicago.com.