FBI increases reward to $10K for 'Bandage Bandit'

The FBI has increased the reward to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of a serial bank robber — dubbed the “Bandage Bandit” — after he struck for the fifth time Saturday.

The suspect earned the nickname after he wore a large gauze bandage on his face during two of the robberies, the FBI said.

The latest robbery happened Saturday afternoon at a Chase Bank branch at 3032 N. Clark St. in the Lake View neighborhood, according to the FBI.

The same man has also been involved in robberies that happened:

—About 9:45 a.m. March 31 at the PNC Bank branch at 2154 W. Madison;

—About 9:13 a.m. on April 6 at the Chase branch at 3010 W. Cermak;

—About 10:46 a.m. on April 22 at the PNC branch at 3337 W. North Ave.; and

—About 9:12 a.m. on April 28 at the PNC branch at 2300 N. Western Ave.

In each case, he approached a bank employee and made a demand for money while threatening harm to employees and customers. So far, there have been no injuries in any of the robberies, according to the FBI.

The “Bandage Bandit” is described as a black man 45-49, 6 feet with a medium build and dark complexion, the FBI said.

In the robberies, he has worn a red or black jacket, or a gray hooded sweat shirt. He has also worn blue jeans, white shoes, and a black knit cap or black baseball cap.

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