'Benchwarmer Bandit' strikes Loop bank

The “Benchwarmer Bandit” struck a Loop bank Tuesday morning, his fifth bank robbery in the last month.

The suspect, dubbed the “Benchwarmer Bandit” by the FBI, robbed the Citi Bank branch at 111 W. Jackson Blvd. at 8:20 a.m., authorities said.

The robber, wearing a dark hoodie and carrying a red backpack, presented a demand note and implied he had a weapon, though none was shown, according to FBI spokeswoman Joan Hyde. No one was injured.

The bandit last struck a Lake View Citi Bank branch at 3128 N. Ashland Ave. on the morning of March 29, according to the FBI.

He previously targeted TCF Bank branches on March 24 at 2940 N. Ashland Ave., March 21 at 4355 N. Sheridan Rd., and March 16 at 3531 N. Broadway.

He is described as a Hispanic man between 20 and 30, standing 5-foot-9 to 6 feet, with a thin build, brown hair, brown eyes and facial hair, according to the FBI.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the Benchwarmer Bandit’s arrest. He is described as “armed and dangerous” in an FBI alert.

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