Wanted — The “Shaggy Bandit”

(Note: Update to August 20th press release.) The “Shaggy Bandit” is believed to be responsible for the bank robbery that occurred today, Monday, August 24, 2009, around 1:30 p.m. at the TCF BANK located at 7203 West 55th Avenue in Arvada. The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the Shaggy Bandit, who is now suspected of committing at least fourteen (14) bank robberies since June 24, 2009. He is dubbed the Shaggy Bandit by investigators as they believe the initial bank robbery surveillance photos resemble that of the character Shaggy from Scooby Doo.

The Shaggy Bandit is suspected of robbing thirteen banks in Colorado and one in Arizona. Although he recently seemed to prefer banks inside grocery stores, the bank today was a stand-alone bank. The Shaggy Bandit enters the bank and approaches the victim teller. He verbally demands the bank’s money and displays a dark colored backpack. Generally, he steals the money and leaves without drawing any attention from other customers or bank employees. On three occasions, he entered a bank but left without obtaining any money; however, on those same days, he continued on to another bank where he was successful. Investigators believe there may be a second person waiting in a get-away vehicle; however, no description is available at the time of this release.

The Shaggy Bandit is assumed armed and dangerous due to the nature of the crime being committed. No gun or other weapon has been observed by victims or witnesses.

The Shaggy Bandit is generally described as being in his late 20’s or early 30’s, slim build, approximately 5’05” to 5’10”. He has facial hair and may also have acne marks or pockmarks on his face. He usually wears a hat, sunglasses and carries a backpack. (See bank surveillance photographs below.)

The following are the banks that were robbed or attempted to be robbed by the Shaggy Bandit:

COMMUNITY BANKS OF COLORADO
277 NORTH BROADWAY
DENVER
June 24, 2009

VECTRA BANK
401 EAST SPEER BLVD.
DENVER
June 25, 2009

ADVANTAGE BANK
1611 CANYON BLVD
BOULDER, CO
June 26, 2009

WELLS FARGO BANK
1050 KEN PRATT BLVD.
LONGMONT, CO
June 26, 2009

WELLS FARGO BANK
201 NORTH SWITZER CANYON
FLAGSTAFF, AZ
July 8, 2009

FIRST BANK
6350 NORTH SHERIDAN BLVD.
ARVADA, CO
July 17, 2009

COREFIRST BANK AND TRUST
6220 EAST 14TH AVENUE
DENVER, CO
July 21, 2009

FIRST BANK
17000 EAST ILIFF AVENUE
AURORA, CO
July 21, 2009

VECTRA BANK
401 EAST SPEER BLVD
DENVER, CO
July 29, 2009

FIRST BANK
6350 NORTH SHERIDAN BLVD.
ARVADA, CO
July 29, 2009

WELLS FARGO
3500 WADSWORTH
WHEAT RIDGE, CO
August 7, 2009

FIRST BANK
4271 SOUTH BUCKLEY ROAD
AURORA, CO
August 18, 2009

FIRST BANK
1650 30th Street
BOULDER, CO
August 20, 2009

If anyone has any information on any of the bank robberies above, or the bank robber described above, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171; OR, you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).