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FBI Searching For 'Straw Hat Bandit' Targeting Pa. Banks

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Authorities are asking the public for help identifying an armed suspect referred to as the "Straw Hat Bandit" who they say is responsible for robbing more than 10 Pennsylvania banks since 2012.

According to records, Colonial American Bank in Horsham was the first to be hit on June 8, 2012. Ten more banks in Montgomery and Bucks counties have been targeted since then.

During the robberies, officials say the subject has brandished a black semi-automatic handgun and has verbally demanded money from tellers. After receiving the cash, he flees the bank.

Officials say the last known robbery was at a PNC bank in North Wales on July 2.

The FBI released photos of the suspect taken from bank surveillance footage as well as two composite sketches. He is described as a white male in his 40s or older, standing approxiately 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing more than 200 pounds. The suspect has concealed his face for all of the robberies with either a mask, pillowcase or bandana in addition to a variety of hats, including a straw one -- giving him the name "Straw Hat Bandit." He has been known to wear either suit coats with a shirt and tie, hooded sweatshirts or lightweight jackets.

photo likeness of a vehicle the suspect may own or can access

Authorities say he may be driving a 1998-2007 white Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra base model pickup truck with a cap over the bed.

 

This suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts or anyone with additional info about any of the robberies is asked to call the FBI at 215-418-4000. There is a reward for information leading to the suspect's capture.

The FBI released released a complete list of robberies he's believed to be involved with below:

6/8/2012 – Colonial American Bank; 300 Welsh Road - Horsham, Pennsylvania

9/28/2012 – First Federal Bank; 803 Park Avenue - Wrightstown, Pennsylvania

1/18/2013 – Wells Fargo Bank; 706 Stony Hill Road - Yardley, Pennsylvania

3/30/2013 – PNC Bank; 1015 South Bethlehem Pike - Ambler, Pennsylvania

5/24/2013 – Harleysville Savings Bank; 1889 East Ridge Pike - Royersford, Pennsylvania

5/24/2013 – Univest Bank; 4285 Township Line Road - Schwenksville, Pennsylvania

8/30/2013 – Wells Fargo Bank; 25 West Skippack Pike - Ambler, Pennsylvania

1/2/2014 – First Priority Bank; 10 Sentry Parkway - Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

1/6/2015 – Wells Fargo Bank; 481 West Germantown Pike - Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

7/3/2015 – Wells Fargo Bank; 1675 Limekiln Pike - Dresher, Pennsylvania

7/2/2016 – PNC Bank; 1216 Welsh Road - North Wales, Pennsylvania

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