ARIZONA NEWS

FBI seeks ‘Biddy Bandit,’ a woman wanted for 5 Valley bank robberies

Dec 18, 2018, 5:35 PM

(FBI Photo)...

(FBI Photo)

(FBI Photo)

PHOENIX – The FBI is seeking the public’s help identifying a woman believed to be responsible for a string of bank robberies across metro Phoenix.

The woman, who has been dubbed the “Biddy Bandit,” is wanted for five robberies since August, including one in Phoenix on Tuesday morning.

“Biddy, if you look up the definition, it’s described as an older female who, for the lack of a better term, isn’t necessarily nice,” Phoenix Police Sgt. Robert Scherer of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

The suspect is believed to somewhere between her mid-40s and 60 with a height of 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-5 and weight of 110 to 130 pounds. She was described as having a medium build and light complexion.

She wore dark sunglasses during the crimes and had her head covered with either a hat or a black wig.

In all of the robberies, she presented a teller with a demand note. She got away with an undisclosed amount of money on several occasions, but other times she fled empty-handed.

“In most of the demand notes there has been indication of a weapon, however no weapon has been seen at any of the bank robberies,” Scherer said.

In the latest robbery, she targeted the Chase Bank at Thunderbird Road and 43rd Avenue.

She’s hit the Chase at Peoria Avenue and 28th Drive in Phoenix twice, Aug. 4 and Nov. 24.

The other incidents occurred at the Wells Fargo on Gilbert Road near Baseline Road in Mesa on Sept. 10 and the Chase on Rural Road near Baseline in Tempe on Nov. 14.

Anybody with knowledge about case was asked to call 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or the FBI’s Phoenix office at 623-466-1999. Tips also can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A freeway sign on a poll says South Loop 101. Part of the southbound Loop 101 in Tempe will be clos...

Kevin Stone

East Valley closure tops list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend

A full closure in the East Valley tops the list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend.

25 minutes ago

A conservative lawmaker, Austin Smith, halted his reelection campaign for the Arizona House of Repr...

Associated Press

Arizona GOP lawmaker drops reelection campaign after forgery allegations

Republican Arizona state Rep. Austin Smith halted his reelection campaign after being accused of forging signatures on his petitions.

2 hours ago

Arizonans should make sure their pets and livestock have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, health off...

Balin Overstolz McNair

Arizona wildlife officials warn about rabies threat as temperatures rise

Arizona wildlife officials are issuing a rabies warning as rising temperatures draw more animals out of hiding.

4 hours ago

AZ Political Podcast: Garrett Archer talks election integrity...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Election analyst Garrett Archer with ABC15 talks election integrity

On this episode of the AZ Political Podcast, Garrett Archer, a data analyst with ABC15, sits down with Jim Sharpe to talk about elections.

4 hours ago

Johnny Was, a bohemian-inspired brand developed in California, is set to open in Scottsdale Fashion...

SuElen Rivera

Johnny Was relocates to Scottsdale Fashion Square from Kierland Commons

Johnny Was, a bohemian-inspired brand developed in California, is set to open in Scottsdale Fashion Square on Friday after relocating from Kierland Commons.

4 hours ago

The exterior of the El Dorado Tech Center in Gilbert. PipShip, an ecommerce solutions company, sign...

Kevin Stone

E-commerce solutions company PipShip moving operations from Tempe to Gilbert

PipShip is relocating its distribution and e-commerce operations from Tempe to Gilbert, a move of about 8 miles.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Condor Airlines

Condor Airlines can get you smoothly from Phoenix to Frankfurt on new A330-900neo airplane

Adventure Awaits! And there's no better way to experience the vacation of your dreams than traveling with Condor Airlines.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics: transforming health care in the valley

Midwestern University, long a fixture of comprehensive health care education in the West Valley, is also a recognized leader in community health care.

(KTAR News Graphic)...

Boys & Girls Clubs

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

FBI seeks ‘Biddy Bandit,’ a woman wanted for 5 Valley bank robberies