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'Silent Bandit' Wanted For 5 Bank Robberies In Pennsylvania And New Jersey

By Steve Beck and Robin Rieger

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (CBS) – The FBI is asking for the public's help in capturing a bank robber who has been dubbed the "Silent Bandit."

Authorities say the suspect has robbed five banks in the past two weeks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The FBI says the "Silent Bandit" is targeting banks that are located inside grocery stores.

The latest robbery happened Tuesday at the QNB Bank branch located inside a Giant grocery store in Richland Township, Pennsylvania.

At about 11:30 a.m., the suspect entered the bank and presented a threatening demand note to the teller. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the subject ran out on foot.

The FBI believes the same suspect is also responsible for the following bank robberies:

  • April 3rd at the KNBT Bank inside a Giant grocery store in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
  • April 4th at the PNC Bank inside a ShopRite grocery store in Marlton, New Jersey.
  • April 11th at the PNC Bank inside a ShopRite grocery store in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
  • April 14th at the PNC Bank inside a ShopRite grocery store in Hopewell, New Jersey.

A surveillance photo from the FBI shows him attempting to rob a PNC Bank inside a Flemington, NJ Stop & Shop, Wednesday afternoon.

In video given to Eyewitness News, the man is also shown robbing the QNB Bank inside the Giant Supermarket in Richland Township, Bucks County on Tuesday.

"He's comfortable with the fact there's a lot of activity around the supermarket. It's easier to case a joint there than if you sit outside of a bank," said Supervisory Special Agent, Joseph Bushner.

Serial Bank Robber
Surveillance images of the 'Silent Bandit' at various locations. (credit: FBI)

The suspect is described as an olive skin male in his late 40s or early-to-mid-50s; 5'6" tall with a medium build. He has short black or dark hair and a bushy mustache. He may be driving a silver sedan or coupe.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI in Philadelphia at 215-418-4000, the FBI in Newark at 973-792-3000, or one of the local police departments.

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