FBI Asks For Help in Finding Bank Robbery Suspect

The FBI and law enforcement in several states are continuing to seek the public’s help in gathering more information on the bank robbery suspect known as the McBandit.

The McBandit, nicknamed after he was seen in surveillance photos carrying a paper bag from McDonalds, is believed to be linked to up to 14 bank robberies across the United States, including banks in Glendora and Upland.

The unidentified white male was also nicknamed Ray-Bandit, based on the sunglasses he was seen wearing while robbing banks in the Midwest.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 20 to 25 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, about 200 to 215 pounds. He has blond hair and a possible gap in his front teeth. He has worn disguises from fake beards to false teeth, and is known to dye his hair different colors. He is often seen with long-sleeved shirts, bandaids or thimbles on his fingertips, and a baseball-style cap, displaying a Ford Shelby Cobra logo. He may also be driving a tan or gray Hyundai Elantra.

The McBandit robbed a Glendora Chase Bank at Ralphs, 655 South Grand Avenue, just before 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 26.

During that robbery, the suspect handed a computer-printed note to the teller demanding a large amount of cash. He said he had a gun and threatened to shoot victims, according to Laura Eimiller, spokeswoman for the FBI in an e-mail.

However, no weapons were actually seen during the robbery. The teller handed the suspect the money, which he then placed in the fast food bag and left the scene.

The McBandit is also believed to have robbed a US Bank in Upland on Nov. 1. The suspect entered the bank inside a Vons supermarket at 81 West Foothill Blvd, and handed the teller a note saying he had an explosive device and demanded money.

The suspect is linked to the following robberies:

July 30, 2012 - Community State Bank, Kenosha County, Wisconsin

Aug. 8, 2012 – TCF, Indiana (unsuccessful)

Aug. 8, 2012 – Fifth Third Bank, Hammond, Indiana (grocery store bank)

Aug. 20, 2012 – Wells Fargo Bank, Moline, Illinois (grocery store bank)

Aug. 23, 2012 – First National Bank and Trust, Janesville, Wisconsin

Aug. 30, 2012 – US Bank, Edwardsville, Illinois (grocery store bank)

Aug. 30, 2012 – US Bank, Collinsville, Illinois (grocery store bank)

Sept. 14, 2012 – Valley Bank, Bettendorf, Iowa (grocery store bank)

Sept. 26, 2012 – American Bank and Trust, Milan, Illinois

Oct.10, 2012 – Bank of the West, Omaha, Nebraska

Nov. 1, 2012 - US Bank, Upland, California

Nov. 26, 2012 – Chase Bank, Glendora, California

Dec. 5, 2012 – Sun Trust, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Nov. 5, 2012 – BB&T, Mechanicsville, Virginia

FBI is asking anyone with information as to the identity of the suspect to call 1-800-CALL FBI.  In the Los Angeles region, anyone with information may also call the local field office directly at 1-888-CANTHIDE (18882268443). 

Patch reporter Aaron Castrejon contributed to this report.