FBI seeks public's help in finding 'I-55 Bandit'

ST. LOUIS -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public's help in tracking down a serial bank robber suspected of crimes in five states.

The FBI has dubbed the man the "I-55 Bandit." He is suspected of 10 robberies and attempts at two other banks since May, with some of the crimes occurring near Interstate 55.

In each case the man used a note and implied he was armed, but no one was hurt. The FBI did not disclose the amount of money taken.

The crimes occurred at various bank branches. Three were in Jackson, Tenn. Three others were in the St. Louis-area towns of Arnold, Mo., Crystal City, Mo., and Belleville, Ill. Two were in Bel Air, Md.

Other towns where the robberies occurred include Cape Girardeau, Hurricane, W.Va., and the Maryland towns of Essex and Ocean City.

Authorities believe the suspect is in his 20s, tall and thin with short brown or strawberry blond hair.

The FBI plans to use digital billboards in the areas of the crimes to show bank surveillance photos of the suspect. The FBI and digital billboard companies have a partnership allowing their use at no cost.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI.