Yuma News Now

We know from past experience the task force concept is an ideal way to combat a particular criminal element such as those who rob banks. When you bring law enforcement resources together they can work effectively and efficiently to reduce that particular criminal element.

From 2007 to 2008 there has been a 28% increase in the number of bank robberies and a projected 34 percent increase from 2008 to 2009. In 2007 there were 128 bank robberies and in 2008 there were 179. There were 44 bank robberies in 2008 from January 1 to May 1. During the same period in 2009, there were 88 bank robberies. If we continue to have bank robberies at the current rate, we are projecting approximately 271 bank robberies for 2009. 

It is our intention to decrease this year’s projected number of bank robberies with the formation of the Bank Robbery Task Force.  

This task force will be the focal point of disseminating intelligence to the greater law enforcement community as it pertains to bank robberies and identifying those committing the robberies. This partnership will be a force multiplier in bringing together various levels of experience and resources from local, state, and federal agencies.

The FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force was initiated in January of this year and we have been at full strength since February.  A recent success for our task force is last week’s arrest of Mirsad Dogic, age 22, and Aaron Ramirez, age 19, who have been identified as the “Black Hat Bandits.” The “Black Hat Bandits” have allegedly committed a total of 14 bank robberies primarily in Phoenix and Peoria since December 5, 2008.

“The act of robbing a bank places bank employees and customers at risk. Victim tellers often come face to face with the bank robber and in many occasions they suffer emotional distress” said SAC Gray, “The FBI will continue to work together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting bank robbers in the Valley.”

“We will work with our partners at FBI, the County, and our local police agencies to fully investigate and prosecute bank robbers to the fullest extent of the law,” said Diane J. Humetewa, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. “We consider every bank robbery a violent crime that puts the public and police at risk.”  The U.S. Attorney also reminded those who may be involved in planning or carrying out bank robberies, “We will prosecute everyone who conspires to commit a bank robbery, regardless of their role.”

“The County Attorney’s Office appreciates the opportunity to be part of this task force. Our office has many seasoned prosecutors who make it a point to ensure dangerous criminals get appropriate sentences” said Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas.

“As a former federal law enforcement official, I understand how important it is for local and federal agencies to work together” said Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

“Bank Robbery is a valley wide problem; most offenders repeat their crimes and commit robberies in various jurisdictions. It is critical to the success of these investigations and apprehension of offenders that the various Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies work together,” said Lieutenant Craig Chrzanowski, Scottsdale Police Department.

Bad Hair Day Bandit

The Bad Hair Day bandit is credited for robbing five banks in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler during the past month. Due to his disguises, he has been described as being Hispanic, African-American, Middle Eastern, or White with a spray-on tan. The subject has a thin build, 6’0”, early to mid 30s wearing several different wigs. The Bad Hair Day bandit has threatened a weapon in three instances and in every occurrence he brandished a blue bank bag which he used for the money.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect/s involved.

April 7, 2009 First Fidelity 7401 E. Camelback Rd. 8200 Scottsdale, AZ	April 9, 2009 Chase Bank E. Via Paseo Del Norte Scottsdale, AZ
April 23, 2009 Bank of America 6501 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ (Is described as a black male, the photo quality is poor)

Armored Car Robbery

On Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 1:37 p.m., a Loomis armored car courier entered the Wells Fargo bank located at 5160 W. Baseline Road in Phoenix to make a delivery. One of the suspects, armed with an AK-47 style assault rifle, followed him in and held him at gunpoint, demanding that he drop his weapon and the bags of money. The courier dropped the bags, at which time the suspect took the money and ran to a red Cavalier parked on the north side of the bank. The suspects then fled into a nearby neighborhood, where the vehicle was abandoned. The Cavalier had been stolen the day before from the Pure Fitness gym located at 1840 W. Warner Road in Tempe, where the owner’s locker had been broken into and his keys and wallet taken. Investigators have been unable to develop any information on the second getaway car. 

The suspect was described as a black male in his late 20’s, 5’10” to 6’ tall, medium build, wearing dark clothing and a dark nylon cap.

A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect/s involved.

Composite drawing of Subject #1

Thou Shalt Not Steal Bandit

On Tuesday, March 24, 2009, the suspect forced entry into the Christian book store next to the Chase bank located at 8978 W. Union Hills Drive in Peoria, and awaited the bank employees to open the bank. Once two employees and the manager entered the bank, the suspect made entry through a pre-cut hole cut through the adjoining wall and held the employees at gunpoint. The suspect took money from the cash vault and then handcuffed the bank employees, leaving them in a back room, and made his escape through the back door of the adjoining business.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 5’8”, 140 – 150 lbs, was wearing a black ski mask, and was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun.

Raggedy Ann Robber

Raggedy Ann has robbed two Chase banks within the last week, one in north Phoenix and the other north Glendale. In each case she shows the teller a note advising that she is robbing the bank and threatening that she is armed with a gun. In both cases she demanded more money after the teller had complied and given her money. She is described as being 25-30 years old, 5’ to 5’3”, weighing 140 to 150 pounds and she has most recently dyed her hair a bright reddish-orange.