'Desperate dad' robs local bank, saying he's got a baby at home

Thursday, April 05, 2007

(4/05/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Authorities are trying to find a bank robber, apparently driven by desperation to provide for his family.

The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force needs the public's assistance in identifying the "Desperate Dad" who robbed the Wachovia Bank on San Felipe over the lunch hour on March 6. Bank surveillance captured a short video of the entire robbery.

At approximately 12:30, the armed robber entered the bank and was greeted by three employees working in the lobby. As the robber walked quickly towards the counter, he pulled out a small chrome pistol from a navy blue zippered bag he was carrying.

The robber repeatedly told the tellers all he needed was a thousand dollars.

He explained, "I just lost my job and I have a small baby at home. I don't care if I go to jail."

Sgt J.B. Whiteley with the HPD/FBI Bank Robbery Task Force said, "He pulled a gun and basically told them he didn't care who gave it to him, but he needed $1,000. He was out of work, he had a little baby at home and he needed the money."

The robber was very nervous and visibly shaking during the robbery. He held the zippered bag up to one of the tellers and she placed the money inside the bag. The robber then ran out of the bank in a hurry. No one was hurt. No getaway vehicle was seen.

The subject is described as a white male, approximately 23-24 years old, about 5'6"- 5'7" tall, weighing approximately 150-160 pounds with a pale complexion and a skinny build. He had short blonde hair, no facial hair and wore a white t-shirt with an open gray sweat jacket over it. He also wore large dark sunglasses to hide his appearance. The man carried a navy blue leather bag with a zipper and a small chrome pistol.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this bank robber. If you believe you know who this man is or have any information about this case, please contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 713-222-TIPS or contact the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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