A robbery suspect who struck the Chase Bank on the 1900 block of 156th Avenue Northeast Thursday afternoon is believed to be the Rent Money Bandit, named so by the FBI due to his habit of striking banks during the first few day of the month.
Bellevue Police Ofc. Seth Tyler said a man approached a bank teller around 2:36 p.m. Wednesday and passed them a threatening note. The teller gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money and he exited the bank, Tyler said, adding no vehicle appeared to be involved in the robbery.
A K-9 officer was dispatched in the area, but was unable to locate the suspect. Tyler said police believe the suspect is the First of the Month Robber, who has hit several area banks recently.
The Seattle Safe Streets Task Force is seeking information about the Rent Money Bandit, who is believed to have also struck Chase Bank locations in Issaquah and Newcastle on Aug. 4 and Sept. 2, respectively.
He is described as being 6-feet-tall white man in his 30s or 40s, and during each robbery wore a dark baseball cap in various styles, dark sunglasses and black gloves. He has implied having a gun in at least one robbery, according to the FBI.
Anyone with information that can help identify the Rent Money Bandit is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, if the information leads to an arrest and charges.
