Reward offered to catch Bend serial bank robber
The same heavyset man, wearing a bandanna, sunglasses or other material to conceal his face, is believed to have staged three Bend bank robberies over seven months – two at the same bank, police said Thursday as they announced a $5,000 reward for tips leading to his arrest.
“It generally looks like the same person his mannerisms, his size, and the manner in which he chooses to disguise himself,” said Lt. Ben Gregory.
The first holdup occurred three days before Christmas at the Bank of the Cascades branch at 61250 S. Highway 97, said Gregory. Another occurred at the same bank branch just over three months later, on April 9.
Police now say the July 30 holdup at the downtown branch of Home Federal Bank, 805 NW Bond Street, appears to have been committed by the same robber, and have just released the third surveillance photo to show the similarities.
He’s described as a light-skinned, heavyset adult male, 5-foot-8 to 5-10, about 30 to 40 years of age.
“Any information out there, any information at all that someone may feel is not relevant but they may feel somewhat related too we urge them to call us,” said Gregory.
Gregory told NewsChannel 21 that investigators have sent the suspects’ description across the nation, but still have no solid leads.
“We are unaware of any other robberies that match this person’s physical description,” Gregory said.
In each case, the robber entered the bank and demanded money, Gregory said. Surveillance cameras confirmed witnesses’ description of a heavyset man covering his face with some kind of material, and appearing to wear a long-sleeved shirt turned inside out.
At the request of Bend police, the Oregon Financial Institution Security Task Force has agreed to offer a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in these robberies, Gregory said.
A special tip line also has been established for the public to report information on the crimes, at (541) 330-7907.
You can also contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-877-876-TIPS (or the form on KTVZ.COM’s Crime Stoppers page). You can remain anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward.
