‘Hooded Bandit’ robs Elk Grove Village bank

(ELK GROVE VILLAGE) A bank robber dubbed the “Hooded Bandit” struck his seventh northwest suburban bank Wednesday, his first robbery since April, according to the FBI.

The man robbed the First Merit Bank branch at 900 E. Higgins in Elk Grove Village at 10:45 a.m., according to the FBI.

The suspect, named the “Hooded Bandit” because he covers his head with a hood during each crime, is also suspected of robbing banks in Wood Dale, Rolling Meadows and Bensenville, according to the FBI, which describes him as “armed and dangerous.”

His previous robbery happened April 7 at the Chase Bank branch at 133 W. Grand in Bensenville, according to the FBI. The robber approached the teller and made a “quiet but threatening” demand for money, then received cash from an employee before walking out.

The bandit has previously displayed a silver handgun, according to the FBI.

On Dec. 9, he robbed another Chase Bank branch in Bensenville, that one at 123 W. Main St., according to the FBI.

On Dec. 2, 2013, he struck a Charter One branch at 3901 Kirchoff Rd. in Rolling Meadows for the second time, according to police. He did not show a weapon during the Dec. 2 robbery of the same bank he robbed on April 19, 2013, that time with the silver handgun.

On Nov. 15, 2013, he robbed the Charter One branch at 333 E. Irving Park Rd. in Wood Dale; and his first robbery in the spree happened Feb. 15, 2013, at the BMO Harris Bank branch at 130 W. Devon in Wood Dale, according to the FBI.

The “Hooded Bandit” is described as a 50-60-year-old white man, between 5-foot-8 and 6-foot, and 165 pounds, according to the FBI. Though he keeps his head covered, witnesses have described him as having gray facial hair.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to his capture. Anyone with information should call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.