‘Stringer Bell Bandit' robs Citibank branch in Loop - KMSP-TV

Authorities are now linking a Loop bank robbery Monday to the Stringer Bell Bandit -- a man who allegedly robbed six other banks in seven attempts since October.

The bandit -- named after a character from the TV series The Wire -- allegedly robbed the Citibank branch at 111 W. Jackson Blvd. about 1 p.m., according to the FBI's Bandit Tracker web site.

He allegedly passed a note to the teller demanding cash, then ran northbound on Clark Street, police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala said. No weapon was displayed.

The Stringer Bell bandit allegedly struck the same bank Nov. 13, according to the FBI. That same day, he attempted a bank robbery at a Chase branch at 2 N. LaSalle St. but, for an unknown reason, fled without any cash.

The man is also suspected of robbing the Citibank branch in the 0-100 block of North LaSalle Street on Nov. 8, a Citibank branch in the 200 block of West Adams Street on Oct. 10, the Citibank branch in the 0-100 block of West Washington Street on Oct. 17, the PNC Bank branch in the 0-100 block of West Monroe Street on Oct. 23 and the Fifth Third Bank branch in the 0-100 block of South Dearborn Street on Nov. 2, the FBI said.

The bandit is described as a 40- to 45-year-old black man, about 5-feet-8 with black hair, the FBI said. He keeps his head covered.

A reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Anyone with information should call the FBI Chicago at (312) 421-6700.