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

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.

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