$5K reward offered for Houston "construction worker bandit"

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A serial bank robber, dubbed the "construction worker bandit," is on the loose in Houston.

The FBI released video of the suspect, seen wearing a neon construction worker vest, in his latest heist at a Chase Bank in the 8500 block of Broadway Street last Thursday, October 1, around 11:45am.

Authorities say the robber came in the bank alone, handed the teller a threatening note demanding money. The teller handed over cash. He was last seen running southbound on Broadway Street.

The FBI says the robber is linked to last month's similar robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank in the 5200 block of Richmond Avenue on Thursday, September 10. During this robbery, authorities say the robber carried a red backpack with white lettering.

In both robberies, the robber showed no weapons, according to the FBI. No one was hurt during either theft.

The robber is described as a black male in his mid-30s, about 5'10" to 6'0" tall, 150 to 160 pounds, with short dark hair. He wore a gray plaid shirt, jeans, a neon construction vest, dark sunglasses, and a dark Texans ball cap with white lettering.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this robber. If you have information about this case, please call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.