NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Police in Texas, along
with the FBI and law enforcement in at least two other states are on the
lookout for a serial bank robber dubbed the "Loan Ranger Bandit."
They believe the armed man is responsible for at least 10 bank
robberies, seven of those in Texas alone. The suspect doesn't limit his
geographical area, having hit banks from Wichita Falls to Round Rock. He
even hit two banks in Tyler.
When you think bank robber and Lone Ranger, a slim mask covering the
eyes probably comes to mind. But this criminal was given the moniker
because it is believed that he works by himself, hitting institutions
where loans are offered (e.g. the ‘Loan') and often wears a blue-colored
Texas Rangers baseball cap (e.g. the ‘Ranger') during his robberies.
The robber has made no effort to hide his face, so there are clear
images from various security cameras. The man wears glasses, and his
attire has varied from athletic wear, to business attire.
The man generally enters a bank and gives a note to a teller
demanding 20s, 50s, and 100s. He instructs the teller not to include any
‘funny money' with the cash and in some cases have motioned to a
handgun held in his waistband. To date, no one has been physically
harmed but the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
Surveillance pictures of "Loan Ranger Bandit" robbing bank in Tyler, in 2012. (credit: FBI)
The FBI and local police are chasing down leads and tips but so far
have had no luck capturing the crook. The robber is described as a white
male in his early 30s, standing approximately 5'7" to 6'0", weighing
approximately 200 pounds, with a medium build. He has short light brown
hair and a small mole or mark just above his right eye.
The suspect may drive a maroon-colored Chevrolet S-10 pickup, with a thin white pinstripe around the bed.
Anyone with information about the suspect or any of the robberies is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online on the FBI website.
In addition to hitting banks in Texas, the Loan Ranger bandit has also been linked to stick-ups in Arkansas and Mississippi.
Surveillance picture of “Loan Ranger Bandit” robbing College Station bank in August 2012. (credit: FBI)
Surveillance pictures of “Loan Ranger Bandit” robbing bank in Tyler, in 2012. (credit: FBI)
