FBI Offers Reward in "Hooded Bandit" Case

The FBI is offering an award for information leading to the arrest of the "Hooded Bandit."

Law enforcement officials suspect the man in at least five bank robberies, – including one in Rolling Meadows – in the northwest suburbs since February. The FBI has dubbed the man the "Hooded Bandit" because of his habit of covering his head with a hood during each of the robberies.

FBI Special Agent-in Charge of the Chicago FBI office Robert J. Holley announced that a $5,000 reward is being offered in the case.

The Hooded Bandit’s most recent robbery occurred on Monday, when he struck the Chase Bank branch located at 123 West Main Street in Bensenville.  The robber approached the teller window and quietly made a demand for money, and after receiving cash from the teller, left the bank on foot.  Although no weapon was displayed during the Monday robbery, he was armed with a silver handgun during the first robbery he is believed to have committed.

That robbery occurred on Feb. 15, 2013, at the BMO Harris Bank branch located at 130 West Devon in Wood Dale. During the course of his robbery spree, he struck another Wood Dale bank, the Charter One branch located at 333 East Irving Park Road on Nov. 15th, as well as the same Rolling Meadows Charter One Bank branch twice, on April 19 and again on Dec. 2.  

The Hooded Bandit is described as a white male, 50 to 60 years old, weighing approximately 165 pounds. While he has kept his head covered during all of his robberies, witnesses have described him as having gray facial hair.

Anyone recognizing this individual or having any information about the robberies is asked to call the Chicago office of the FBI at (312) 421-6700.  This case is being investigated by the FBI in coordination with local authorities.