FBI: 'Bandage Bandit' attempts sixth bank robbery

A man suspected in five Chicago bank robberies tried to rob a sixth bank in the Lake View neigborhood on Friday, the FBI said.

The FBI increased the reward to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the “Bandage Bandit” after he robbed a Chase Bank branch at 3032 N. Clark St., also in Lake View, on May 9. The suspect earned the nickname after he wore a large gauze bandage on his face during two of the robberies.

On Friday, the man allegedly attempted to rob a Bank of America branch at 3051 N. Clark St. but was unsuccessful, the FBI said.

The FBI suspects the same man was 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 sweatshirt. 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.