FBI offers reward in string of south suburban bank robberies

SHARE FBI offers reward in string of south suburban bank robberies
Surveillance image of the “Mug Shot Bandit.” / photo from the FBI

Surveillance image of the “Mug Shot Bandit.” / photo from the FBI

Federal authorities are offering a reward for information about a man suspected of robbing four banks in the south and southwest suburbs over the past month.

The suspect first robbed the TCF Bank branch at 17117 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park on Nov. 19, according to a statement from the FBI.

He entered the bank, made a demand for money and ran away with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the FBI. He did not display a weapon.

The suspect has been dubbed the “Mug Shot Bandit” because he has unwittingly provided very clear surveillance photos, the FBI said.

He is also suspected of robbing:

—Old Second National Bank at 195 W. Joe Orr Road in Chicago Heights on Nov. 20;

—TCF Bank at 601 W. 14th St. in Chicago Heights on Dec. 4; and

—Fifth Third Bank at 16732 W. 159th St. in Lockport on Dec. 17.

The Mug Shot Bandit is described as a 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8 black man in his 30s weighing 180 pounds or more, the FBI said. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information should call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.

Surveillance image of the “Mug Shot Bandit.” / photo from the FBI

Surveillance image of the “Mug Shot Bandit.” / photo from the FBI

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