Ball Cap Bandit Strikes Again
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Still on the loose. Monday, the FBI is desperate to find a serial robber they say hit nearly a dozen spots across the region in just weeks.
Rick Ritter has more on the man being dubbed the "Ball Cap Bandit."
The FBI says he's robbed at least 10 spots in the last month, both banks and commercial establishments. Even worse, investigators are worried he's becoming more violent.
Brazen and bold, one surveillance photo after another captures the man known as the "Ball Cap Bandit."
"It's crazy. It's actually scary," said Kimberly Martin.
The FBI says the bizarre spree of robberies started back in June with five throughout the Baltimore area. In July, at least another five---striking four days in a row at one point.
"The man came out of the bank, running with a blue hat on and glasses on," said David McGee. "I saw him running that way and police came."
Customers inside these places were left scarred.
"In each one of the incidents, customers and employees were both threatened," said FBI Special Agent Patrick Dugan.
Investigators say the robberies started out with the passing of a note demanding the cash but during his latest incident in Essex, things quickly escalated.
The FBI released a photo to WJZ Monday showing the suspect pointing a gun at a Wells Fargo teller before getting away with cash.
"As he's gone along in time, we've seen an increase in violence," Dugan said.
Steve Strain works just across the street from the Wells Fargo bank that was hit Friday.
"I saw a lot of police cars pull up, guns drawn," he said.
He admits some are now walking in fear.
"Very scary on that because you just don't know if anyone will get shot at that point," Strain said.
The FBI hopes the public can help identify the bandit, saying it's not a matter of if he'll strike again---it's when.
Fortunately, no one has been hurt during any of the robberies. The FBI hasn't released how much money he's gotten away with over the month and say they aren't chasing any solid leads at this time.
Anyone who can help identify the suspect is asked to call the Baltimore FBI. They're offering up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.