FBI Portland
Portland Media Office
(503) 460-8060
October 23, 2014

Anthony James Martinis Sought on Bank Robbery Warrant

Updated November 5, 2014: On Monday, November 3, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force captured Anthony James Martinis, 41, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Information developed by investigators led to his location in an area motel. The FBI’s Oklahoma City Division helped conduct the arrest as a member of the task force. Martinis currently remains in custody in Oklahoma City; the U.S. Marshals will coordinate the next steps related to the warrant for his arrest out of Cowlitz County, Washington.


The following press release was issued by the FBI Seattle Division.

Local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities are seeking information on the whereabouts of Anthony James Martinis, 41, who is wanted for his alleged connection to a series of bank robberies in Washington and Oregon. A warrant for his arrest has been issued out of Cowlitz County, Washington. Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating Martinis and warn that Martinis is likely to rob again.

Martinis is a white male, 6’2” tall, around 250 pounds of medium build, and with blue eyes. His short, possibly graying hair has been seen in a variety of cuts, sometimes resembling a military or slightly Mohawk style.

Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of Martinis should refrain from approaching him and is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

Given the successive locations of six bank robberies possibly linked to Martinis, authorities believe that it is likely he will rob banks in the states between Oregon and Arizona. Information developed in the investigation suggests Martinis could possibly be heading toward Arizona.

The bank robber believed to be identified as Martinis has robbed at least six banks: three in Washington State over 10 days and three in Oregon over two days.

  • Wednesday, September 17, around 2:30 p.m.
    Fibre Federal Credit Union on Triangle Center in Longview, Washington
  • Tuesday, September 23, around 4:30 p.m.
    Chase Bank on N. 40th Avenue in Yakima, Washington
  • Friday, September 26, slightly before 3:00 p.m.
    Umpqua Bank on Sleater-Kinney Road in Lacey, Washington
  • Thursday, October 16, around 2:45 p.m.
    Wells Fargo Bank inside the Safeway store on Lancaster Drive NE in Salem, Oregon
  • Thursday, October 16, slightly after 10:00 a.m.
    Umpqua Bank on Valley River Drive in Eugene, Oregon
  • Friday, October 17
    Wells Fargo Bank inside the Safeway store on E. Main in Cottage Grove, Oregon

In all robberies, the subject approached the teller desk, demanded cash, received an undisclosed amount of money, and left.

Please see the photos below for the bank robber’s various clothing pieces and distinctive hair styles.

At the September 17 robbery, the subject wore a tan button-up shirt, tan pants, and carried a newspaper.

At the September 23 robbery, the subject wore thick-rimmed glasses, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and carried a newspaper.

At the September 26 robbery, the subject wore a dark blazer, brightly colored shirt, and sunglasses on top of his head.

During the first robbery on October 16, the subject wore a black, zip-up long sleeved shirt or jacket with two white stripes and a Michael Jordan logo over the left chest.

During the second robbery on October 16, the subject wore a black sweatshirt with red print. In both of these robberies, he was wearing blue tennis shoes and black basketball shorts with a red triangle and white stripes. He was also wearing gold wire-rimmed glasses.

At the October 17 robbery, the subject wore a dark-colored shirt or jacket, light-colored pants, and blue tennis shoes.

Anyone with information that can help locate this individual may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-TIPS (8477) to submit tips anonymously and be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information given leads to an arrest and charge of the person(s) involved.

Direct tips are also welcome by the FBI in Seattle at (206) 262-2390 and Portland at (503) 224-4181.

The Seattle Safe Streets Task Force (SSSTF) is investigating the series of bank robberies in Washington and includes members from the FBI’s Seattle Division, Bellevue Police Department, Auburn Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, and Seattle Police Department. The SSSTF is working with the Longview, Yakima, and Lacey Police Departments to apprehend this robber. The FBI’s Portland Division is investigating the bank robberies in Oregon with its partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Eugene Police Department, and the Cottage Grove Police Department.