FBI seeks help identifying Arizona’s ‘Wiggin’ Out Bandit’ bank robber

PHOENIX — Authorities are seeking help in identifying a serial Phoenix-area bank robber dubbed “The Wiggin’ Out Bandit.”

He got his nickname because of the assortment of hairpieces worn as a disguise while committing the crimes.

“Despite using various wigs, through the surveillance pictures you can tell it is the same individual,” FBI Special Agent Travis Bodily told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

The man, thought to be in his 30s, is suspected of robbing or attempting to rob 12 East Valley banks since March.

He was described as being 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 and in the neighborhood of 150 pounds.

Bodily said a weapon hasn’t been used in the crimes, but the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

“Although he has not displayed a weapon in any of these robberies, we know from other bank robbery investigations that the propensity and possibility is there that although they may not display the weapon, they do have it,” he said.

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.

A reward was being offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Four of the robberies occurred in the past week, with the last occurring Thursday at a U.S. Bank in a Queen Creek Safeway.

Many of the robberies took place at branches inside grocery stores.

The suspect has been demanding money or presenting tellers with a demand note and then fleeing on foot. Authorities didn’t reveal how much money he’s gotten away with.

The Mesa Police Department and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force — with representatives from the FBI, Scottsdale and Phoenix police departments and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office — have been investigating the case.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.

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