FBI Offers $5K Reward For Info On Serial Bank Robber
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MIAMI LAKES (CBSMiami) -- The F.B.I. is offering a $5,000 reward for an armed, serial bank robber who has victimized five banks since May in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
There is also a safety alert about this criminal that was captured on camera during the robberies and is seen in new surveillance photographs released by the federal agency.
"This guy is very dangerous, armed and dangerous," said Robert Lanier, a task force officer with the F.B.I.
Lanier told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "With a pistol this guy commits bank robberies while wearing a green or blue poncho. We think this guy is a risk to the community."
Lanier said the suspect has demanded and received $50,000 from the banks.
His robbery spree started on May 15th of 2014 when the F.B.I. said he robbed a BB&T bank branch at 8181 N.W. 154th St. in Miami Lakes. That robbery happened at 1:50 p.m. He entered the bank with a threat of having a firearm and demanded money from an employe. Customers were in the bank. There were no injuries. The robber fled on foot.
On July 23, 2014, he robbed a Fifth Third Bank branch at 9035 La Fontana Boulevard in Boca Raton. On October 2, 2014, he robbed a Suntrust Bank branch at 1900 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
The F.B.I. said that incident occurred at 2:25 p.m. He entered the bank, displayed a weapon and demanded money from a bank employee. Customers were also at the bank. There were no injuries.
The F.B.I. said on November 26, 2014, the criminal tried to rob the Miami Lakes bank again but did not succeed.
"A manager who was on high alert saw him changing into his disguise in the bathroom," said Lanier. "And that's how we got a description of him."
The serial robber also robbed the Suntrust Bank branch again on December 12, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.
In that case, he entered the bank and displayed a weapon and again demanded money from a bank employee. Customers were also in the bank but there were no injuries.
That's where bank customer Tara Suarez said, "It's very concerning. I wouldn't want to be in my bank with my children and have him come in. That worries me. There could be a hostage situation I think. Anyone who has information should call with that information. If he's done that that many times, he's going to keep doing it."
Her husband Ceasar Suarez agreed.
"What worries me is the chance of people being taken hostage," he said.
Another customer, Mendel Feigenbaum, said. "How can anyone feel about something like that. Consternation, just like you would feel."
Lanier said, "We believe this bank robber is a white male, possibly hispanic, about 5'10" tall, 180 to 200 pounds. He's got brown hair and light facial hair. He has red in his facial hair and he has light eyes."
Lanier also showed us a photo of the type of car this suspect may be driving.
"We believe the offender is using a green jeep Cherokee, a grand Cherokee with a Laredo package, a 2000 to 2004 model that looks like it has its original paint with cracks in it around the bumpers and dark-tinted windows including the front windshield."
It's not known if this robber has any prior connection with or grudge against the two banks that he has victimized twice.
Lanier said there is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the serial bank robber.
The F.B.I. and local law enforcement agencies throughout Florida are investigating the robberies.
If anyone has information about the identity of this criminal, they should call the F.B.I. at (754) 703-2000 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).