'Stopwatch Bandit' Strikes 2 Banks In Miami, Miami Lakes

MIAMI, FL -- The so-called "Stopwatch Bandit" struck two Miami area banks Thursday morning within an hour of one another.

"Investigators believe the same individual robbed both banks and have dubbed him the "Stopwatch Bandit" because during each robbery he showed bank employees a stopwatch app on his cellphone that appeared to be counting down," explained Special Agent Michael Leverock and spokesman Jim Marshall of the FBI in Miami.

The bandit first struck the TD Bank branch at 16200 NW 57th AVE in Miami Lakes around 9:26 a.m.

Less than an hour later around 10:16 a.m. he struck the Chase Bank branch at 175th NW 199th Street, Miami, according to the FBI.

The FBI released photographs of the suspect taken from surveillance cameras. The FBI would not say how much money was taken during the robberies.

"During both robberies, the robber entered the bank and demanded money from a bank employee," Leverock and Marshall said. "Customers were in both banks. There were no injuries."

To report a tip call the FBI at 754-703-2000 or contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip," or text CSMD followed by the tip to 274637.