Seeking Information on Possible Serial Bank Robber

OKLAHOMA CITY—James E. Finch, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Oklahoma, seeks information regarding several bank robberies in Oklahoma and Joplin, Missouri.

On July 13, 2011, a white male, possibly in his mid 30s, 5’10” tall, approximately 180 pounds, wearing a hat, long-sleeve shirt, and possibly wearing a fake beard, entered the Hometown Bank in Joplin, Missouri. The suspect was in the bank prior to the robbery wearing a black cap, black shirt, brown shorts, black shoes, and dark sunglasses. The suspect re-entered the bank after approximately 30 minutes had passed and demanded money from the tellers. The suspect displayed a black handgun during the robbery. There were no reports of any injuries from the robbery. The suspect was seen leaving the area in a mid-2000 model gray four-door Volkswagen with Oklahoma tags. The vehicle was last seen going south on Connecticut from 32nd Street. The suspect left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

At this point, we believe this robber is the same person that has robbed four Oklahoma banks. These robberies have occurred on May 24, First National Bank of Coweta; May 26 and June 10, Bank of Oklahoma; and June 29, IBC Bank. In each of these robberies, the robber wore a similar disguise, has generally been described in the same fashion and drove away in a silver Volkswagon Jetta.

As stated above, law enforcement in Missouri believe they may have captured the robber prior to donning his disguise. Photos of the potential robber without his disguise are below.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI at (405) 290-7770 (24 hour number). You may remain anonymous.

The Oklahoma Banker’s Association offers up to $2,000.00 for information leading to the identification, arrest and/or conviction of anyone robbing a member bank.