FBI: South Loop Bank Robbery Is 'Play-Along Bandit's' Seventh
(STMW) -- The "Play-Along Bandit" is suspected of striking again Friday evening in the South Loop, in his seventh suspected bank robbery since October.
He is suspected of robbing a First American Bank branch at 1241 S. Wabash Ave. about 6 p.m., according to police and the FBI.
A black male with a goatee handed a note to a teller demanding money, and he made off with an unspecified amount of cash, police said. He didn't show a gun or imply he had one, and no one was hurt.
The robber has been dubbed the "Play-Along Bandit" because of the way he tries to blend in and act like a regular bank customer as he enters and exits the banks, the FBI said. He has even greeted security guards as he walked past them.
He is also suspected of robbing:
—ABC Bank, 5645 W. Corcoran Pl. on Dec. 20;
—Harris Bank, 1620 W. 95th St. on Dec. 6;
—First Merit Bank, 1715 W. 47th, on Nov. 25;
—Citi Bank, 2000 W. 79th, on Nov. 14;
—Fifth Third Bank, 8140 S. Ashland, on Oct. 28; and
—ABC Bank, 9443 S. Ashland, on Oct. 18.
In several of the robberies, the bandit has brandished a handgun or implied he had one, the FBI said.
He is described as a black man, between 25 and 30 years old, who is about 5-foot-8 and about 165 pounds, the FBI said.
The "Play-Along Bandit" has worn a variety of jackets during the robberies, one of which had a "distinct pattern" across the chest, according to the FBI. He has also worn a black knit skullcap with a small brim in front.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his identification and arrest. Anyone with information should call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2015. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
