Hunt intensifies for the newly dubbed "Roosevelt Road Robber"
The FBI is requesting the public's help in the hunt for a serial bank robber, who authorities are calling the "Roosevelt Road Robber."
Authorities say the robber struck four times, in Glen Ellyn, Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton and Elmhurst. His nickname comes from the fact that all four incidents occurred at banks along or near Roosevelt Road.
"If they do more than three bank robberies, we like to give them a serial name because the public usually identifies more when there's a name attached," FBI spokeswoman Cynthia Yates said today. "We're pretty certain that it is the same person robbing those banks."
The Roosevelt Road Robber verbally demands money, implies he has a gun and threatens to shoot the teller, FBI officials said. However, Yates said, no weapons have been displayed. In addition, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
The first robbery happened about 4:15 p.m. July 20 at LaSalle Bank, 600 Roosevelt Road, in Glen Ellyn. After getting an undisclosed amount of cash, the man fled on foot.
Two more bank robberies were reported on Aug. 3.
Around 4 p.m. on that date, the man attempted to rob Northern Trust, 1 Oakbrook Terrace, in Oakbrook Terrace, but fled without getting any money.
Less than an hour later, the man robbed Wheaton's Fifth Third Bank, 1768 S. Blanchard Street. Once he collected an undisclosed amount of cash, he fled north on foot.
The most recent theft happened around 4:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the First Bank, 299 N. York Road, in Elmhurst.
Witnesses describe the robber as being between 30 to 35 years old, standing no more than 6 feet tall and having a medium build. He had brown hair, blue eyes and a mustache and goatee.
The robber usually wears dark colored baseball caps, has worn a long-sleeve sweatshirt or a jacket during each robbery, blue jeans and black boots or high-top shoes. He also has carried items, such as clothing under his arm or paperwork in his hand, upon entering.
Anyone with information is asked contact the FBI at (312) 421-6700.