Reward increased for bank robbery suspect known as 'Lunch Break Bandit'

FBI searching for ‘lunch break bandit’ responsible for 9 bank robberies

The reward has been increased for information leading an arrest of the suspect accused of robbing Valley banks during the lunch break hour.

PHOENIX - Wells Fargo is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspected bank robber known as the "Lunch Break Bandit."

According to the FBI, the suspect has committed nine bank robberies throughout the Valley since February of this year, with the most recent robbery happening on October 12. The suspect has been nicknamed the "Lunch Break Bandit" because many of the robberies happened between 12 and 12:30 p.m.

(Photo: FBI)

The FBI says the suspect typically targets banks inside grocery stores and in each robbery, the suspect was armed with a handgun and got away from each bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

During the past five robberies, the "Lunch Break Bandit" was wearing a light-blue baseball cap, blond wig, black sunglasses and was carrying a black duffle bag.

"There is an element of planning in this and the disguises, the way he does his business, trying to blend in," said Sgt. Robert Scherer, FBI Task Force officer. "There have been times when customers in the store don't know what is going on."

Detectives say each time he has acted as a customer, presented a note to the teller and brandished a gun, demanding money. Each time the teller has complied.

"There has been times where he has gotten angry, usually when he presents a note he is doing it in a calm way," says Sgt. Scherer.

No injuries have been reported in any of these cases.

If you have any information, you're asked to call the FBI at 623-466-1999 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.