FBI seeking help in identifying ‘Tire Iron Bandit’

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This individual is wanted for two robberies of the First Merit Bank in Willow Springs. | Supplied image

Updated: February 1, 2012 10:59PM

The FBI is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed a Willow Springs bank twice last year in a six-month period.

The man, dubbed the “Tire Iron Bandit,” is believed to have robbed the bank on Jan. 3 and July 16 of 2010.

In the Jan. 3 robbery of the First Merit Bank branch at 8480 S. Archer Ave., the robber entered the bank late in the afternoon just as two employees were preparing to close for the day, the FBI said in a news release. The robber quickly approached the teller counter, holding a tire iron in his left hand, and demanded money from the tellers on duty. He placed a small duffel bag on the counter and held it open for the tellers, who placed an undisclosed amount of cash from their drawer inside, the FBI said. The robber then fled the bank, but his method and direction of escape were not seen, the FBI said.

A tire iron also was used to threaten employees in the July robbery.

No injuries were reported during either robbery, both of which are being investigated jointly by the FBI and the Willow Springs Police Department.

Anyone who recognizes the individual or has any information about either of the robberies is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.