Seeking the Public’s Assistance with Two Bank Robberies Today Committed by the Same Subject

The FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate the subject responsible for the attempted robbery of the Sovereign Bank branch located at 2701 South 10th Street and the robbery of the Wachovia Bank branch located at 1246 East Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia earlier today.

At approximately 9:25 a.m., an unidentified male entered the Sovereign Bank branch and verbally threatened an employee, indicating that he was armed with a gun. The subject fled the bank, however, before obtaining any cash from the bank, and was seen heading eastbound on Oregon Avenue on foot. About two hours later the same subject entered the Wachovia Bank branch at approximately 11:22 a.m. and again made threatening demands for cash to a teller and indicating that he was armed. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the subject fled the area of the bank on foot in an unknown direction.

The subject is described as a black male in his 30’s, 6’0” tall, approximately 250 pounds with a heavy or husky build, a large bushy afro, possibly a wig, and several days’ worth of beard growth. The subject was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and was carrying a shoulder bag. He may also have a scar or scab on his forehead above the bridge of his nose.

Three photographs from the bank’s security cameras are below. This subject is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Philadelphia Police Department. There may be a reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of this subject. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

To view flyers of this and other bank robbery subjects wanted by the FBI/Major Crimes Task Force, please visit www.ppdonline.org and click on the Detectives Box and the Violent Crimes Task Force link.