FBI Bank Robbery Task Force searches for two suspects
The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is a partnership that exists between the FBI and local agencies, including the Phoenix Police Department, to investigate bank and armored car robberies. This task force has been doing a great job and has been operating since early this year. The task force is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects involved in separate robbery cases.
The first occurred on Thursday, December 3, 2009, just after 3 p.m. when a female suspect entered a bank located at 5065 E. Elliot Road in Phoenix. She approached a teller and after a brief conversation, attempted to rob the bank but fled without obtaining any money. No vehicle or weapon was seen. The second incident happened on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. The same suspect entered a bank located at 125 E. Southern Avenue in Tempe and approached a teller but this time was successful in her efforts to rob the bank. She fled on foot with an amount of cash. Again, no vehicle or weapon was seen.
Anyone with information on this suspect, now known as the “Bonnie, no Clyde” robber, is asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. For Spanish, call 480-TESTIGO. Keep in mind that just because no other suspect or vehicle has been seen does not mean she is without an accomplice or vehicle. Anyone who sees this suspect should not approach her; simply be a good witness and call 911 immediately with as complete a suspect and vehicle description as possible. A license plate number is also a key piece of information.
The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is also asking for help in locating a second bank robbery suspect, “The Hot Head Bandit”. Named after a baseball cap he wore during several of his robberies with flames on the brim, this man has now struck eight times. This serial bank robbery suspect began his crime spree on August 17, 2009 in Goodyear, and the latest robbery was on November 19, at 20th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. He has been hitting banks in the west valley from as far south as Van Buren St. and north to Happy Valley Road. The suspect appears to remain close to freeway access; however, no suspect vehicle description has been given to date.
The “Hot Head Bandit” suspect is a white male in his mid 50’s, 150 to 200 pounds, casually dressed in polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes, often wearing sun glasses. The suspect normally robs two or three tellers at each bank prior to leaving on foot. He uses a handgun. Again, just because no other suspect has been seen does not mean he is without an accomplice. If you see this suspect call 911 immediately, do not approach him, and be the best witness you can be. If you have any information on either of these suspects please call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. For Spanish, call 480-TESTIGO.