FBI trying to identify the Red Beard Bandit, who robbed four Arizona banks
The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying who they call the Red Beard Bandit, who is suspected of robbing four banks throughout Tucson and Chandler, Arizona.
The FBI says they call this suspect the Red Beard Bandit because his beard appears to be red in one of the photos.
The suspect is a 35 to 45-year-old white, bald male, between 5-feet 8 inches to 6-feet tall, who weighs approximately 175 to 200-pounds.
On April 4, 2019, FBI say an unknown suspect entered the Pima Federal Credit Union at Pantano Road in Tucson at approximately 2:26 p.m. The suspect was said to approach the teller window, and took out a demand note from a manila envelope. Agents say the note stated that he had an explosive device, and the teller complied with the demand. The suspect took the money and placed it in the envelope and left the bank.
On May 20, 2019, FBI say an unknown suspect entered the National Bank of Arizona at N. La Cholla in Tucson. The suspect was said to have approached the teller window, and took out a demand note from an envelope. FBI-agents say the suspect brandished a black handgun in his waistband and said ” I’m not messing around ” , and demanded the money. The teller handed him the money where the suspect then placed in the envelope and left the bank.
On June 28, 2019, an unknown suspect entered Bank of the West at N. Swan Road in Tucson at approximately 3:20 p.m. The suspect approached the teller window and handed over a demand note on a manila envelope. Agents say the note said he had a gun and didn’t want to hurt anyone. The suspect placed the money in the envelope and left the bank.
On August 8, 2019 an unknown suspect entered the Wells Fargo Bank at East Ray Road in Chandler at approximately 3:02 p.m. The suspect gave the teller a demand not written on blue paper with black ink. FBI Agents say the suspect mumbled a request, but the teller could not understand, so another teller was called over to assist. Agents say at that time the suspect brandished a black handgun and said he wanted the money. The suspect was said to discreetly point the handgun to an unaware customer, advising the tellers they needed to hurry or the customer would be in danger. When the suspect obtained the money, he fled from the bank south.
FBI-agents say the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect should call the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office at (623)466-1999. Or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.
