Tom Thumb Bank Robbery Bandit Arrested

March 26, 2010 - On Friday, March 19, 2010, Denver Police Department, District 6 Police Officers, and the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force arrested a suspected bank robber while investigating the robbery of the First Bank, located at 370 17th Street, Denver.

The District 6 Police Officers are credited with canvassing local neighborhoods and showing photographs of the suspected bank robber dubbed the “Tom Thumb Bandit.” After following up on a credible lead developed by the officers, the identification and location of the suspect was made.

This investigation has determined that ROBERT COLE, 47 years of age, DOB 12/23/1962, may be the Tom Thumb Bandit responsible for a series of bank robberies. COLE was arrested and jailed in the Denver City Jail. He will be charged with bank robbery and will appear before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance next week. The Tom Thumb Bandit is believed to be responsible for six bank robberies, which are listed below:

03/27/2009, Bank of Denver, 405 16th Street, Denver

10/09/2009, U.S. Bank, 1625 N. Broadway, Denver

11/27/2009, Wells Fargo Bank, 1740 N. Broadway, Denver

01/13/2010, Wells Fargo Bank, 1050 17th Street, Denver

03/12/2010, First Bank, 1200 17th Street, Denver

03/19/2010, First Bank, 370 17th Street, Denver

The name “Tom Thumb Bandit” was derived from a bank photograph taken during one of the robberies where the bandit's thumb was wrapped in a bandage or cast.

No photographs will be released.

Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense and increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.

The FBI continues to provide financial institutions with the best practices for security to make them less vulnerable to robberies.

If anyone has any information on these bank robberies, or any bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171, or you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).