'Winnie the Pooh bandit' robbery suspect in custody

Winnie the Pooh might be tempted to steal a jar of honey, but he certainly wouldn't rob a bank.

The furry bear, a hero to children, might think about suing for a damaged reputation. The FBI has arrested a 45-year-old Chicago man who they said is suspected of robbing three banks while wearing a Pooh sweatshirt. The agency had nicknamed him the "Winnie the Pooh Bandit."

The FBI said Michael J. Veysada of the 5500 block of West Byron has been charged with one count of felony bank robbery. He was arrested Friday night at his home. While Veysada didn't resist arrest, FBI agents did have to "neutralize" or put down a pit bull as they entered the residence, authorities said.

The FBI said Veysada is suspected in three armed heists, though he's been only charged with one, an Aug. 12 heist at an MB Financial office in Countryside where he escaped with $1,300. An anonymous phone call has linked Veysada with the Aug. 7 heist at the Chase Bank at 1 S. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge, the FBI said. He's also a suspect in the Aug. 10 robbery at a Bank of America at 5541 N. Harlem Ave., the FBI added.

In all three robberies, the suspect was armed with a hand gun, wearing sunglasses and a dark Winnie the Pooh pullover.

Veysada faces a maximum 20 years in prison if convicted. He's being held without bond and has a scheduled court appearance on Aug. 25 in Chicago.