SMILE: Man Branded the 'Mug Shot Bandit' Sought By FBI

Caption: Various poses of the so-called “Mug Shot Bandit” from recent south suburban banks heists. | BanditTrackerChicago.com.

The vast improvement in surveillance photography, especially in banks, has come a long way from the grainy black and white photos of the past four decades.

Apparently, the FBI feels the same way. A man the feds have branded as the “Mug Shot Bandit” is suspected in at least four recent heists in the Tinley Park, Chicago Heights and Lockport.

The serial bank robber earned his moniker because he unwittingly provided some very clear surveillance photos, the FBI said.

The Mug Shot Bandit’s spree began Nov. 19 when the FBI said he robbed a TCF bank branch at 17117 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

According to witnesses, the Mug Shot Bandit makes a threatening demand for money from a bank employee, then flees with the loot.

In addition to Tinley Park, the serial bank robber is suspected of carrying out three other robberies in a similar manner, including:

• Old Second Bank, 195 W. Joe Orr Road, Chicago Heights, around 1:57 p.m. Nov. 20.
• TCF Bank, 601 W. 14th St., Chicago Heights, around 4:45 p.m. Dec. 4.
• Fifth Third Bank, 16732 West 159th St., Lockport, around 11:50 a.m. Dec. 17.

The so-called Mug Shot Bandit is described as a male black in his 20s, approximately 5-foot-8- inches tall, wearing a black hat and black jacket.

The FBI is offering up to $1,000 to anyone who comes forward with information about the Mug Shot Bandit’s identity or whereabouts.

Anyone recognizing the Mug Shot Bandit from these stunning surveillance photos, is asked to give the FBI’s Chicago office a call at 312-421-6700 or call 9-1-1.

More information is available about the Mug Shot Bandit and other unsolved bank robberies on the FBI-run BanditTrackerChicago website.