‘Midday Bandit’ tries to rob West Town bank

A serial bank robber known as the “Midday Bandit” tried to rob a West Town bank Thursday afternoon, marking his 15th robbery or attempted robbery in the Chicago area since 2014.

The suspect’s latest bank robbery attempt happened about 1 p.m. at the South Central Bank branch at 1915 W. Grand Ave., according to the FBI.

The 11 robberies happened:

• March 31, 2016 at the MB Financial branch at 9701 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn;
• Feb. 6, 2016 at the BMO Harris branch at 5960 W. Irving Park Rd.;
• Aug. 19, 2015 at the Wintrust Bank branch at 3050 N. Harlem;
• Aug. 3, 2015 at the U.S. Bank branch at 6020 W. Roosevelt in Oak Park;
• July 17, 2015 at the TCF Bank branch at 2301 N. Harlem for the second time;
• Nov. 14, 2014, at the Hoyne Savings Bank branch at 7001 W. Grand;
• Nov. 13, 2014, at the Plaza Bank branch at 3555 N. Harlem;
• Sept. 22, 2014, at the TCF Bank branch at 2301 N. Harlem for the first time;
• Aug. 18, 2014, at the TCF Bank branch at 6107 S. Archer;
• July 9, 2014, at the TCF Bank branch at 1952 W. Galena in Aurora; and
• June 10, 2014, at the TCF Bank branch at 8801 S. Ridgeland in Oak Lawn.

He also tried to rob a U.S. Bank branch at 6700 North Ave. in February; a First Midwest Bank at 7181 W. Irving Park in August 2014; and a TCF Bank branch at 507 E. Woodlawn in La Grange Park in July 2014, according to the FBI.

The suspect, described as a 5-foot-11, 160 to 175-pound black man with facial hair, is called the “Midday Bandit” because the robberies happen between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to the FBI. He has been seen wearing glasses and a variety of hats.

There is a $10,000 reward available to anyone who can provide information leading to his arrest. Anyone who recognizes the suspect should call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.