FBI hunts "Surgeon Bandit" in two bank heists

The FBI released surveillance photos Wednesday, seeking the public's help to catch the "Surgeon Bandit," who may be behind two suburban bank heists this year.

The man, named after the white surgical mask he dons, is suspected of sticking up tellers April 30 at a Midwest Bank in Bloomingdale and during the Sept. 29 heist of a Citizens Financial Bank in Palos Heights.

No injuries were reported in either robbery, but both involved weapons.

In Bloomingdale, the man displayed a black semi-automatic handgun to a teller and demanded she fill a plastic bag with cash, telling her "no GPS, no dye packs," before fleeing the Lake Street bank on foot.

Five months later, the suspect had a long-handled knife with a thin blade and threatened the Palos Heights bank employees if his demand for money was not met.

The "Surgeon Bandit" is described as white, 30 to 40 years old, 5-feet-7 to 5-feet-9, with a stocky build.

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