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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 17, 2001
TAMPA -- The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office is investigating 10 bank robberies since February that appear to have been committed by the same man.
During the robberies, a suspect walked into the bank armed with a silver or chrome revolver under his clothing, authorities said. He approached a teller, showed his weapon and demanded the teller put the cash into a large bag. Deputies said the suspect used a low and calm tone.
The man has robbed banks in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Lakeland, Brandon and Pinellas Park. The first robbery happened Feb. 15, and the most recent was Oct. 9.
On Tuesday, the Florida Banker's Association announced that it would offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Crime Stoppers of West Central Florida is also offering a $1,000 reward.
The robber usually wears a ball cap, sunglasses, and an untucked shirt or jacket. He has been seen fleeing from two robberies in a late-model Mercury Sable, either gray or silver, deputies said.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.