Hampton, Va. - The Federal Bureau of Investigation is taking action in Hampton Roads to catch the Ray-Bandit. He's the serial robber connected to more than a dozen bank robberies in seven states, including Virginia.
There's now a new billboard on Interstate 64 East in Hampton with the wanted ad of the Ray-Bandit.It's one of seven scattered across the country to catch the criminal.
The Ray-Bandit is responsible for 14 banks in seven different states. He's most recently robbed two different banks outside of Richmond near I-64 on the same day in December. That's why the FBI launched a nationwide effort using billboards, hoping someone possibly in Hampton Roads recognizes the man wearing the Ray-Bans.
"It's definitely possible that he's traveled on Interstate-64 from Richmond to Hampton Roads," said Vanessa Torres, with the FBI.
FBI agents call him the "Ray-Bandit" because he's worn Ray-Ban style sunglasses in all of his robberies, which began in Wisconsin in July of last year. Since July 2012, the suspect has criss-crossed the U.S. robbing more than a dozen banks in less than a year.
"He's very random. He seems to be good at what he does so far, but I know that it's only a matter of time before somebody reports him to us," Torres said to only NewsChannel 3.
Agents tell us that while the man is always wearing the sunglasses, he's constantly changing his look through false teeth, hair dye and different hats. Fortunately, no one has been hurt in any of the robberies but investigators do consider him dangerous.
"He does threaten that he has a weapon. In one case in California, he stated he had a bomb even though he's not brandished any weapons in his crimes, he's definitely considered to be dangerous because he's so brazen."
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. If you recognize the Ray-Bandit, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
