12/4/2009 10:00:00 PM Police seek information on 'High Country Bandits'
Federal Bureau of Investigation/Courtesy photo
Surveillance images show the primary suspect in the robbery of Country Bank in Prescott Valley on Oct. 30 (top); Arizona Central Credit Union in Flagstaff on Oct. 14 (middle); and Compass Bank in Payson on Nov. 25 (bottom).
The Daily Courier
The FBI needs the public's help to identify the High Country Bandits, an armed two-man crew that robbed three banks in Flagstaff, Prescott Valley and Payson.
During the robberies, one man points a semi-automatic handgun at the teller and demands money, said Manuel Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After he gets the money, he orders everyone to lie on the ground, and leaves with a second man.
Authorities say the man with the handgun is white, 20 to 40 years old, about 5'5" to 5'7", with a slight build. He wears dark clothing, gloves, a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a facemask that covers at least the lower half of his face, Johnson said.
They have no description for the second man, Johnson said.
The suspects allegedly robbed the Arizona Central Credit Union at 1948 S. Woodland Village Blvd. in Flagstaff on Oct. 14, the Country Bank at 3044 North Glassford Hill Road in Prescott Valley on Oct. 30, and the Compass Bank at 613 S. Beeline Highway in Payson on Nov. 25.
Anyone with information should call the FBI at (602) 279-5511.
Reader Comments
Posted: Monday, December 07, 2009
Article comment by:
Bret
Good Job Bat! You are right. I wonder if they coppers got dem finger prints off that part of the counter. The guy with his junior G-Man comment shows his ignorance ii his words. Keep up the good work.
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009
Article comment by:
Bat gets his G.E.D.
I believe "Bat" in his illiterate fashion is trying to play Junior G-Man with a CSI kit by pointing out that the guy is touching the counter with his ungloved hand thus leaving fingerprints... Gee, I bet the cops never thought of fingerprinting the counter. Brilliant!!
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Bat, could you please clarify your post? I can't understand what you mean.
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
Keep Out?
Banks are a business just like any other. They can't bring in new business if they don't allow people inside. If only current customers are allowed inside by swiping a card, well... that puts the customers in danger of being held hostage so the bank robber can gain access. Banks have been trying to find ways to stop robberies since the first bank was opened. During hard economic times, the number of robberies (both of banks and other businesses) will increase. But bank robberies are still not as common as it may seem. Anyone remember when banks had guards with guns? You don't see that anymore, and the reason is because it's not a deterrent. In fact, it's more dangerous for everyone if there is an armed guard present. (Please don't infer that I am anti-gun. I'm not. I've just been in banking most of my life.)
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
Just a thought
Studying these photos and the description of the subject, it occurred to me that the person in the top (Prescott Valley) and bottom (Payson) gives off a more female look than male. Anyone else notice this?
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
Bat
that photo show is figure prints on the counter
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Why do banks allow people into the place of business? Could not most banking be done from the drivethru window? How about letting in only legitimate customers by means of some kind of challenge at the door(badge,card swipe, etc.)? I don't understand why banks permit bozos like this to even enter the building.
