Reward offered in 'Day Break Bandit' bank robberies
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking for the public's help to identify an alleged bank robber dubbed the "Day Break Bandit."
Cynthia Yates, spokeswoman from the FBI in Chicago, said through a press release that this bandit has taken money from two Harris Bank branches this year.
She said the most recent theft occurred at 15101 S. Route 59 in Plainfield on Oct. 30. According to witnesses, the robber was waiting outside the bank as an employee arrived at the start of the day.
As the female bank employee approached the door, the robber confronted her, displayed a handgun and forced the employee into the bank. He then confronted a second employee, threatened both with the gun, then forced the employees into the bank vault and removed a substantial but undisclosed amount of cash, Yates said. He placed the money in a black plastic garbage bag and fled the bank on foot.
The second theft was at 120 West Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale on March 17 and, just like the Plainfield theft, the robber waited outside the bank and surprised a female bank employee as she was opening for the day. He forced two employees to open the bank vault and removed a large sum of cash, again using a black garbage bag to carry the money away.
No injuries were reported in either robbery, Yates said.
The bandit is described as a male, between 20 and 25 years old, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall, with a medium build and dark hair.
He has been given the moniker "Day Break Bandit" based on the pattern of robbing banks early in the morning as they are being opened for the day, Yates said.
Yates said a second individual is believed to have acted as a driver in both robberies. However, she said, the second person has not been fully described.
She added Harris Bank is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the bandit.
Both robberies are still being investigated by the FBI, and are assisted by the Hinsdale and Plainfield police departments.
Anyone recognizing this individual or having any information about either robbery is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.