'North Center Bandit' Suspected in Three Bank Robberies

The many poses and faces of man alleged to be the North Center Bandit, who is suspected of robbing three banks in August and September. | BanditTrackerChicago

A serial bank robber is not only being sought for three North Side bank robberies, he has also earned the nickname of the “North Center Bandit.”

The FBI is offering a reward for information the leads to the identification and arrest of the North Center Bandit, who earned the moniker after hitting three banks in or near Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, according to an FBI news release.

The North Center Bandit first struck on Aug. 21 at the PNC Bank branch, 4201 N. Lincoln Ave. Around 2:24 p.m. The FBI said that a robber approached a bank employee and made a “threatening demand” for money.

A few days later on Aug. 27, a robber matching the description of the the suspect from the prior robbery and using a similar modus operandi entered the Chase Bank branch, 3334 N. Ashland Ave., around 4:02 p.m.

The FBI said the North Center Bandit appeared to have struck again on Sept. 15 around 4:06 p.m., robbing another Chase Bank branch at 3339 W. Belmont Ave. No one was injured in connection with the robberies.

Witnesses have described the North Side Bandit to the FBI as male, white, 25 to 35 years old, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighing approximately 180 to 210. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone recognizing the North Center Bandit or having information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Chicago office of the FBI at 312-421-6700 or local police. This case is being investigated by the FBI in coordination with local authorities.

For more information about the North Center Bandit and other unsolved bank robberies, visit BanditTrackerChicago.