Federal Bureau of Investigation

Houston Division

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2007

FBI HOUSTON PRESS OFFICE
(713) 693-5229
www.fbi.gov

“SPORTS BANDIT ROBS FOURTH BANK; IS SUSPECT IN OTHER ARMED ROBBERIES”

The FBI Houston Bank Robbery Task Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a serial robber currently active in West Houston.

On Thursday, August 30, 2007, a white male, believed to be the robber named “Sports Bandit”, robbed the Bank of Texas located within the Kroger supermarket located at 1520 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas. Nicknamed for his baseball cap and football shirt, “Sports Bandit” robbed the International Bank of Commerce at 7055 North State Highway 6 on August 18. He is also suspected in the robbery of the First Convenience Bank, 15802 Champion Forest on August 8. Harris County Sheriff’s deputies also suspect “Sports Bandit” is responsible for several armed robberies of businesses in the area. Bank Robbery Task Force members are anxious to catch this prolific criminal, who targets banks and businesses along the Highway 6 corridor, from as far south as Westheimer to as far north as Kuykendahl.

In yesterday’s robbery, “Sports Bandit” handed the teller a blue zippered bag and in a threatening voice he told the teller to fill the bag with money. A second teller approached and she was also instructed to fill the bag. Both tellers were told not to do anything foolish or they would be harmed. “Sports Bandit” left the bank after receiving the money.

“Sports Bandit” is described as a white or Hispanic male, 35-38 years old, 5’08” to 5’10” tall, 190-220 pounds, with a thick, dark, goatee-style mustache. He was wearing a blue and beige baseball cap, a faded orange tee shirt, and jeans.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the charging and arrest of “Sports Bandit,” or any felony suspect. If you have any information regarding this case, contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 713-222-8477 or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.