The FBI and law enforcement from multiple states launched a nationwide publicity campaign Tuesday to find the so-called “AK-47 Bandit,” in addition to offering an award of up to $100,000 in exchange for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
The assault rifle-carrying robber is wanted in connection with an August bank heist in Nebraska, where he threatened employees to comply with his demands and fled with stolen cash stuffed in a duffle bag.
The “AK-47 Bandit” has also been linked with four bank robberies that took place in Idaho, Washington state and Vacaville, as well as a 2012 heist in Chino, where he is suspected of shooting and seriously wounding a police officer who was on patrol near the bank.
Investigators believe the bandit is proficient with an assault weapon and won't hesistate before shooting someone in order to avoid capture.
Investigators said he has told victims that he used to be an officer, and surveillance video shows him usually wearing tactical gear, a full-face ski mask and blue ballistic vest or green mesh vest marked "Sheriff." He has been seen driving off in a late-model, dark gray, four-door Nissan Maxima.
Officials say he may also continue to travel the U.S. to commit additional crimes.
Police desrcibe the "AK-47 Bandit" as a white male, about 25 to 40 years of age, with blue eyes and a large build. He is about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing between 180 and 230 pounds.
