The Chase Is On
FBI intensifies search for serial bank robber in Dallas-Fort Worth
The FBI believes one man is responsible for five recent bank robberies in Dallas-Fort Worth. The so called "Regular Joe Bandit" has targeted bank branches located inside large retail stores including Tom Thumb, Kroger and Walmart.
In each instance, the FBI reports that the man approaches the teller counter, demands cash verbally and also presents a note. He has indicated that he may be armed with a weapon. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, he exits through the main doors of the anchor store.
The suspect has been dubbed the “Regular Joe Bandit” due to his casual appearance and composed demeanor.
To date, no one has been physically harmed in his heists, which have occurred in Flower Mound, Irving, North Richland Hills, Trophy Club and, most recently, Hickory Creek.
The robber, described as a middle-aged white male, was seen fleeing Woodforest National Bank inside a Hickory Creek Walmart on August 15. He was spotted in a black SUV.
Dallas seems to be an attractive area for serial bank robbers who keep their cool. The Mesh Mask Bandit robbed 19 banks in Dallas-Fort Worth during a period of six months. Luis de la Garza, a 59-year-old noted immigrants rights activist, was arrested in June.
FBI spokesperson Katherine Chaumont said in a press release that the suspect has been dubbed the “Regular Joe Bandit” due to his casual appearance and composed demeanor. He wears glasses or sunglasses, long sleeves, jeans, tennis shoes and a baseball cap.
The suspect is between 5-foot-8-inches to 6-feet tall, approximately 160 to 185 pounds, with a medium build, short facial hair and a tanned complexion. He is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to call the Dallas office of the FBI at 972-559-5000.