This afternoon, a press conference was held at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Milwaukee office. Special Agent in Charge Richard Ruminski of the FBI's Milwaukee Office, along with Chief Hartert of the Big Bend Police Department, Chief Ruzinski of the Menomonee Falls Police Department, Chief Sharrock of the Waukesha Police Department and Deputy Inspector Severson of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department are seeking the public's assistance in identifying armed bank robbers dubbed the "Bad Weather Bandits."
According to Special Agent Ruminski, the Bad Weather Bandits may be responsible for at least five violent bank robberies at suburban Milwaukee area banks dating back to 2006.
The Bad Weather Bandits are known to strike on days of inclement weather, so far during rain storms and snow storms. The two suspects are believed to be responsible for the following robberies:
Citizens Bank in Big Bend - January 20, 2006
Associated Bank in Menomonee Falls - December 21, 2006
Associated Bank in Menomonee Falls - April 11, 2007
Guardian Credit Union, Waukesha - November 14, 2007
Citizens Bank in Big Bend - April 10, 2008
Suspect Number One is described as a black male in his 30's, approximately 5'10" and 180 pounds, medium build, seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, a black mask with sunglasses, a black puffy down vest, black pants, tennis shoes with blue and white soles, and gloves with some white lettering. He was carrying a medium-sized black semi-automatic handgun and appeared to be the person in charge, with a calm demeanor and a wristwatch for timing the robbery.
Suspect Number Two is described as a black male in his 30's, approximately 5'8" and 200 pounds, with a heavy build. He was seen wearing a grey knit hat, black face mask with sunglasses, brown shoes carrying a darker colored duffel bag and holding a medium-sized black semi-automatic handgun.
According to Special Agent Ruminski, all of the robberies have been similar in style, which is a take-over style, violent in nature. The suspects enter the bank, sometimes one at a time, and force everyone onto the floor before attempting to get into the vault The suspects also keep track of how long they are in the building.
The suspects appear methodical and experienced, leading law enforcement to believe that the suspects may have previous criminal background and may have spent time in jail.
Bank robberies in the metro-Milwaukee area appear to be on the rise.
"There have been 38 bank robberies in the Milwaukee-metro area so far this year. At the same time last year," said Ruminski, "there were only 11."
Ruminski did say that one individual who was responsible for 10 of the 38 robberies has been arrested and charged.
A combined reward is being offered of up to $50,000 to anyone with information leading up to the arrest and conviction of any individuals who are responsible for these violent robberies. Please call the FBI at (414) 276-4684 or your local police department. All tips can remain anonymous.