Reward for “Grandpa Bandit” Hits $15,000

Bank of America is now offering a reward of up to $10,000 and the Oregon Financial Institutions Security Task Force (FIST) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 (for a total of $15,000) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a serial bank robbery nicknamed the "Grandpa Bandit." He robbed what investigators believe was his sixth bank Thursday in Medford. The previous five robberies were in Salem, Sherwood, West Linn, and Hillsboro.

The man, nicknamed the "Grandpa Bandit," is believed to have robbed the Bank of America branch located at 790 Stevens St. in Medford on March 18, 2010. He is also suspected in these other robberies:

• October 14, 2009 - Key Bank branch located at 750 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem

• October 29, 2009 - Bank of America branch located at 3803 Center Street NE in Salem

• December 2, 2009 - Bank of America branch located at 15961 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road in Sherwood

• December 10, 2009 - Bank of America located at 19181 Willamette Drive in West Linn

• December 22, 2010 - Bank of America located at 1375 NW 185th Avenue in Hillsboro

Although he did not show a weapon in the recent robbery, he has threatened tellers in previous robberies. In one instance, investigators believe that he threatened to kill a teller as he showed her a weapon in his waistband.

Witnesses describe him as:

• White man

• Height: 5'8"-5'10"

• Weight: 160 - 180 pounds

• Hair: Gray

• Eyes: Light, possibly hazel

• Wearing: Khaki-colored vest, blue jeans, a baseball cap with a white circle-type logo (March 18th robbery)

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI in Medford at (541) 773-2942 or the FBI in Salem at (503) 362-6601 during normal business hours or the FBI in Portland at (503) 224-4181 24 hours a day.

FIST is a cooperative effort made up of representatives from banks, savings and loans, and credit unions, as well as representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The purpose of FIST is to help reduce crimes.