FBI seeks bicyclist in series of bank robberies

Butch Cassidy. John Dillinger. Ma Barker. And now, the Bicycle Bank Robber.

The FBI has put out an all points bulletin for a man wanted in connection with at least seven bank robberies across the central and southern states. After handing the bank teller a note demanding money, he makes his getaway on a mountain bike.

He's described as being in his mid-50s, between 5-11 and 6-1, and weighing about 180 pounds. (Wow. That description could match yours truly. I'm going to stop riding my bike to the bank until they catch this guy.)

Special Agent Gary Kidder told WVLT.com: “I'm not sure I've dealt before with one that's actually made a getaway on a bicycle.”

The bank robbing spree started Nov. 21 in Columbus, Ohio. Then Cincinnati; Charlotte, North Carolina; Knoxville; Louisville; Huntersville, N.C.; then Cookeville, Tennessee. (Update: Add one more to the list as of 10 a.m. Tuesday — the Integra Bank at the Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, reports WSIL.)

The suspect has been seen on a grey or silver mountain bike after three of the robberies, and police found bikes spray-painted black on two occasions.

The FBI says the man hands a blue bag to the teller and says, “verify this deposit”. The teller then finds the note — which says he has a gun — inside the bag.

If you know anything about this guy, the FBI wants you to call the Knoxville Division at 865-544-0751.

Meanwhile, the FBI office in Houston is looking for another guy who robbed a bank on a bicycle. Sounds similar, actually, except this guy says he has a bomb.

The Houston bank robber is 50-55, 5-8 tall, and 170 to 200 pounds, gray hair and gray beard. Crimestoppers has a $5,000 reward out; call Crime Stoppers Hotline at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or contact the FBI in Houston at 713-693-5000.