OREGON CITY -- Police agencies and financial institutions in Oregon have asked for the public's help in capturing a bank robber who takes over branches brandishing guns.
A reward of up to $5,000 was being offered by the Oregon Financial Institutions Security Taskforce for his capture. Also on Tuesday, Crimestoppers added an additional $1000 reward.
"It was was extremely violent and extremely traumatic. There was actually, if it’s possible, a higher degree of control over the occupants of the bank during the course of the robbery," said detective Dan Kraus with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation have dubbed him the "Takeover Bandit." The armed suspect cocked the hammers on his handguns and pointed them directly at the tellers and customers.
The suspect robbed Home Federal Credit Union at 25 Division St., on Dec. 15. The same man was thought to have robbed the Chase Bank, at 12400 SE Sunnyside Road in Clackamas, on Jan. 26.
"He came in well prepared, knew exactly what he was going to be doing once he came in there, " said detective Jeff Donaco with the Eugene Police Department.
In both robberies, he fled on a bicycle, which he ditched a short distance away, investigators said.
The suspect was described as a white man, 5 foot 8 to 6 feet, tall, with a medium to heavy build. He was wearing blue coverall type pants, a blue coat, black mask and black gloves.
Authorities hope the original owners of the bicycles come forward with word on whether they were sold or stolen. Anyone who recognizes the bikes (pictured above, right) was urged to call the FBI at 503-224-4181.
