FBI agents want your help tracking down a group of serial bank robbers they call "extremely dangerous" and "very violent."
They say the "Lake County Bandits" knocked over the Bridgeview Bank Branch in Vernon HIlls just two days before Christmas. It's not the first time they'd heard from this group.
Agents also believe this group robbed an Associated Bank Branch in Lindenhurst on December third and the America United Bank branch in Gurnee bank back on November 12th. Each time, three bandits entered the bank waving what appeared to be semi-automatic weapons. The group leader stayed by the door, shouting out commands, while the other two took money. A fourth person is believed to have been waiting outside, as the getaway driver.
The FBI's Ross Rice says, "They're getting tens of thousands of dollars with each robbery. They're becoming bolder and more violent."
In the first two robberies, investigators say the robbers beat, punched or dragged female bank employees for no apparent reason. Rice adds, "the employees were taken completely by surprise.They were completely compliant with the requests. No one struggled. No one tried to hit an alarm. Thats just the violent nature of these people."
Since the robbers have worn ski masks during the robberies, witnesses were not able to get a good look at their faces. Despite that, agents say you may still know them. Rice says with with type of activity and this type of group, they're probably talking about their exploits to someone. Thats why the FBI is hoping you'll give them a call if you've heard anything about these robberies.
Here's what investigators do know about them so far: they are either black or hispanic males, ranging in height from five feet six inches to six feet tall, with heavy or slender builds. Witnesses describe the getaway car as a dark colored, 2000 or 2002 chevrolet suburban.
They are considered armed and dangerous. If you see them, call police.
The FBI is offering a ten thousand dollar reward for any information leading to the arrests of these individuals.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:34 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:34:12 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have bee working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:04 GMT
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
