SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 19, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into a series of bank robberies in six states, including Utah, and is asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect.
Dubbed the “Traveling Bandit” because of the large area he has covered, he is suspected of robbing at least seven banks in six states since Dec. 28, and officials believe he may soon strike again.
He is currently suspected of the following robberies:
- Dec. 28 — Aventura, Florida; Capital Bank
- Jan. 2 — Asheville, North Carolina; SunTrust Bank
- Jan. 4 — Johnson City, Tennessee; Mountain Commerce Bank
- Jan. 8 — Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; US Bank
- Jan. 10 — Prattville, Alabama; TrustMark Bank
- Jan. 14 — Mt. Vernon, Illinois; 5th 3rd Bank
- Jan. 17 — Price, Utah; Wells Fargo Bank
“So far, no one has been injured during the robberies,” an FBI news release says. “The suspect usually approaches the counter and presents a note demanding money and threatening a weapon, then departing the bank on foot. He may be driving a white Ford Explorer or Expedition.”
In most of the robberies, the suspect has worn a black jacket, white T-shirt and black baseball hat, according to the news release. He is described as a white male, 40-50 years old, with a goatee, salt-and-pepper hair, and tattoos on both arms. He is 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build.
State and local authorities also are involved in investigating the robberies.
Officials warn that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
Can’t believe he got away. With the few roads and snow he is either close by or stranded unless he switched cars.