FBI officials said Wednesday they were asking for the public's help in identifying a person who they said was responsible for at least two armed robberies of suburban Chicago banks, dating to April of this year.
The "Surgeon Bandit," described as a white man between 30 and 40 years old, and between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, was given his moniker because he has worn a white surgical mask during each of the robberies. The robber was also described as having a stocky build.
According to a news release, the most recent theft occurred on Sept. 29, when the Citizens Financial Services Bank, located in Palos Heights, was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. Witnesses said the robber entered the bank and approached a teller announcing a robbery. The robber then displayed a long-handled knife with a thin blade, threatening the bank's employees with harm. After receiving cash from one teller, the robber fled the bank on foot, according to the news release.
The other suspected theft took place on April 30, when the Midwest Bank branch, located in Bloomingdale, was also robbed by the same person, authorities said. The robber was armed with a black, semi-automatic handgun, which he used to threaten bank employees.
No injuries were reported in either theft.
Anyone with information regarding either robbery was asked to call the Chicago FBI at 312-421-6700.
