FBI racheting up efforts to catch Wheaton Bandit

Time is running out for authorities trying to catch the Wheaton Bandit.

With the statute of limitations set to expire on Dec. 7, officials say they only have until then to charge the prolific armed bandit who pocketed about $150,000 in as many as 16 takeover style robberies of banks and credit unions in the West suburbs.

Now Robert D. Grant, special agent-in-charge of the FBI in Chicago, is asking for the public's help in identifying the man whom authorities describe as “one of the most prolific serial bank robbers in Chicago area history.”

On Tuesday, Grant announced a reward of up to $50,000 is still being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the bandit. Members of the public are directed to view related photographs at bandittrackerchicago.com. The website includes a sketch of a man who may be the bandit without his trademark ski mask pulled down over his face.

The Wheaton Bandit, who first struck in January 2002, was given the nickname because seven of his first eight heists were in Wheaton. He then branched out to Carol Stream, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Naperville and Winfield. He struck in Glen Ellyn four times, including his last robbery on Dec. 7, 2006 at the Glen Ellyn Bank and Trust.

With only his blue eyes visible through a dark ski mask, the armed man strides alone into a bank, orders everyone to the floor except one teller, who is directed to empty drawers. He usually is gone in 60 seconds. No injuries were reported during any of the robberies.

Authorities said the first break in the investigation came in November 2006, when a passer-by is believed to have seen the bandit unmasked moments before a robbery in Winfield. A drawing of the robber based on the witness account has been widely circulated.

Witnesses have described the Wheaton Bandit as a white male at least 5 feet 10 inches with a medium build. He was 25 to 35 years old at the time of the robberies.

While he has worn different clothing in each robbery, the bandit has always used a hood or a ski mask to help conceal his identity. He may be left handed and has been armed with a semiautomatic handgun, which he has used to threaten bank employees and customers.

FBI officials said they believe the bandit may have military or law enforcement training because of the way he handled his handgun.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at (312) 421-6700.