FBI searching for first female bank robber in Houston for 2016

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- FBI investigators are searching for a woman they suspect robbed a bank inside a Fiesta Mart in Houston's north side Monday afternoon.

The FBI Violent Crime Task Force released photos from security cameras inside the Fiesta Mart located at 4711 Airline Drive.

Investigators said a middle-aged woman wearing a black hat and dangling earrings walked up to the counter at First Convenience Bank, inside the Fiesta Mart, and handed the teller a threatening note demanding money.

The robber ran away after the employee gave her cash, according to investigators.

FBI investigators said the woman spoke in English at first, but then switched to Spanish to urge the employee to hurry.

Customers shopping Tuesday were surprised to hear a woman is suspected.

"It is sad for someone to do that," Sandra Sharp said.

"It doesn't make no sense."

The FBI has investigated 75 bank robberies in the Houston and Harris County area so far in 2016, compared with 92 in 2015 and 109 in 2014.

Crimestoppers of Houston is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the bank robber.

If you have any information, call the Crimestoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS. All tipsters remain anonymous.