Suspect In North Austin Bank Robberies Sought By Police

NORTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — A suspected bank robber wasn't exactly caught red-handed, but was recorded by surveillance camera footage last week with "red, swollen hands" according to a police description released on Tuesday.

The Wells Fargo Bank at 8045 Mesa Dr. was held up on Friday, Nov. 30, just past the noon hour, launching an investigation by the Austin Police Department robbery unit and the FBI Central Texas Robbery Task Force. Law enforcement officials said the suspect approached the teller in passing a note, demanding money before leaving on foot.

No injuries were reported, and police didn't specify whether a weapon was used. The amount of cash taken also isn't known.

Apparently, the suspected red-handed bandit struck again. In a separate press release, police released details of a second bank robbery the following day — with the same description of a suspect with red, swollen hands.

In a separate press advisory, police gave details on a second bank robbery — also in North Austin, but at another Wells Fargo bank branch at 3216 W. Braker Lane — that occurred on Saturday, Dec. 1 at around 11:35 a.m. Like in the incident the previous day, the suspect is said to have approached the teller with a note demanding money before leaving the scene in a white SUV, police said.

The identity of this man with the crimson hands and digits isn't known. What is known is that the suspect is a white male between the ages of 20 to 30 years old standing between six feet to six feet, three inches, with "red, swollen hands," according to a police investigation. Officials released an image from a bank surveillance camera in the hopes that someone might recognize the suspect and alert police as to his identity and possible whereabouts.

Austin police previously staged a media briefing in the immediate aftermath of the first bank robbery on Friday:

Photo via APD

No injuries were reported in the second incident either. Surveillance camera images clearly showing the suspect's face — not obscured by his ball cap as was in Friday's incident — were released by police. The same exact description was provided — red, swollen hands and all. Saturday's heist was the 23rd bank robbery in Austin so far this year, police noted. Other than a change of clothes, the description is the same.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the APD Robbery tip line at (512) 974-5092, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

Location of first bank robbery on Friday, Nov. 30

Location of second bank robbery on Saturday, Dec. 1

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>>> Photo of suspect provided by Austin Police Department