FBI Seeks 'Burly Bandit' Who Began Spree in Darien

The FBI is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man nicknamed the "Burly Bandit," who officials say has robbed numerous banks across New England in recent months, including one in Darien.

The bureau is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the heavyset thief, who is believed to have struck at least 10 locations throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire since April. 

The robber is described as a white male of a stocky build in his late 40s to early 50s. He is approximately 6 feet tall, has brown hair, and weighs between 250 and 300 pounds.

The man's trademark—on display in the battery of security camera images released by the FBI—is wearing a different accessory to conceal his face in each instance. Those disguises have included sunglasses, a wig, a cowboy hat, and, in Darien's case, a yarmulke.

Darien became the first stop in the Burly Bandit's spree on the morning of April 12, when the individual made off with about $4,000 from the Bank of America at 7 Sedgewick Avenue.

The man reportedly walked into the bank around 10:30 a.m., had a cup of coffee, passed a note to the teller demanding money, and left on foot—his usual method of escape, according to the FBI.

At the time, the robber was clad in a grey, waist-length pea coat and a bright blue head covering which appeared to be a yarmulke. The coat was recovered after the department's K-9 unit tracked the thief to a parking lot near Goodwives Shopping Center, but the man escaped.

"He was casual and matter-of-fact. Everyone said he was a polite robber, non-threatening. But he wanted his money, and the note spoke for him," Capt. Fred Komm of the Darien Police Department told Patch in April.

According to the FBI, the man wasn't so courteous in every case, having brandished a weapon and made threats to kill bank tellers.

Other locations hit by the robber include Lowell Five Cent Savings Banks in Tewksbury, Mass. on April 27; Digital Credit Union in Tyngsboro, Mass. on May 5, Rollstone Bank & Trust in Fitchburg, Mass. on May 17; Pawtucket Federal Credit Union in Warwick, R.I. on May 27; Rockland Federal Credit Union in North Attleboro, Mass. on May 27; Hampshire First Bank in Londonberry, N.H. on June 1; Pentucket Bank in Hampstead, NH on June 1; Webster Bank in Somers, Conn. on June 24; and Ocean Bank in Merrimack, N.H. on July 2.

Those with information on the identity or whereabouts of the robber are asked to contact the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force at 617-742-5533. The Massachusetts Bankers Association Tip Program is offering an additional $5,000 reward on top of the FBI's incentive.