Published: July 08, 2008 11:11 am            

Police: Bank robber has history of heists

Man suspected in 14 robberies in last four years

San Marcos — Some have dubbed him the “ZZ Top” bandit because of his long gray beard. But police say whatever he’s called, the man who walked into a San Marcos bank with a gun on Monday has experience with such heists.

According to San Marcos Police and the FBI, a man strongly believed to be the same suspect has also held up more than a dozen other banks more or less along the IH-35 corridor over the course of the past four years.

The suspect, a white man in his 40s, walked into the American National Bank at 2205 Hunter Road at approximately 9:51 a.m. He had a handgun and demanded money.

Next, he forced employees into a bathroom before escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash. He fled the scene in a late model dark gray vehicle, southbound on Hunter.

“Typically he puts them (bank employees) in a vault or bathroom,” said SMPD Commander Terry Nichols. In a heist in Marquez on May 14, the robber also claimed to have a hand grenade, Nichols said, which he told them would go off if they tried to open the bathroom door. Nichols said investigators there found no grenade.

Nichols said he is also suspected of robbing banks in Troy, Abilene, Round Rock, New Braunfels, Elmont, San Antonio, Salado and Lindale in addition to two banks in Valley View. The Marquez Wells Fargo Bank has put up a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

The man is approximately 5’10” tall and heavy set with a thick gray beard. During the San Marcos heist and (according to captured images) the one in Marquez, he was dressed in blue jeans, a blue denim jacket and a tan colored, large brim straw hat. During the San Marcos robbery he also wore yellow gloves.

Nichols said the suspect was inside the bank for “no more than three minutes maximum” and that as soon as he left, employees hit an alarm button and summoned police.

None of the bank employees were injured.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the San Marcos Police Department at 753-2300 or the FBI at (512) 345-1111.

Those wanting to remain anonymous can also call Crime Stoppers at 353-TIPS from the San Marcos calling area or at (800) 324-TIPS toll-free from anywhere.

        

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