October 17, 2016
Federal Bureau of Investigation/for PhillyVoice
Composite photo of the "Straw Hat Bandit."
The FBI began asking the public for help Monday in its search for the "Straw Hat Bandit" who is believed to be responsible for 11 armed bank robberies in the Philadelphia area.
The incidents occurred between June 2012 and July 2016 in Montgomery and Bucks Counties.
During each robbery, the suspect verbally demanded money from the teller while displaying a black handgun. After obtaining cash, the suspect fled the scene.
Although the suspect is dubbed the "Straw Hat Bandit" by authorities, he has worn a variety of hats and items to hide his face. So far, he has worn a straw hat, a mask, a pillowcase, a bandana, a bucket hat and a black baseball cap. He usually wears hoodies, light jackets and suit coats with a shirt and tie.
• June 8, 2012, at the Colonial American Bank located at 300 Welsh Road in Horsham
• September 28, 2012, at the First Federal Bank located at 803 Park Avenue in Wrightstown
• January 18, 2013, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 706 Stony Hill Road in Yardley
• March 30, 2013, at the PNC Bank located at 1015 South Bethlehem Pike in Ambler
• May 24, 2013, at the Harleysville Savings Bank located at 1889 East Ridge Pike in Royersford
• May 24, 2013, at the Univest Bank located at 4285 Township Line Road in Schwenksville
• August 30, 2013, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 25 West Skippack Pike in Ambler
• January 2, 2014, at the First Priority Bank located at 10 Sentry Parkway in Blue Bell
• January 6, 2015, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 481 West Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting
• July 3, 2015, at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1675 Limekiln Pike in Dresher
• July 2, 2016, at the PNC Bank located at 1216 Welsh Road in North Wales
The "Straw Hat Bandit" seen on surveillance video on July 2, 2016.
Authorities believe he has access to a white Chevrolet Silverado or a GMC Sierra base model pickup truck made between 1998 and 2007. He may have had access to a teal BMW or a dark-colored Volvo sedan in the past.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at (215) 418-4000. There is a reward available for information that leads to an arrest.
