A $20,000 reward: That's how much the capture of a bold, gun-toting, serial bank robber is now worth. Fifth Third Bank is matching the FBI's $10,000 reward.
Since November, the man is suspected of holding up 7 banks: 6 in Pinellas County, the other in Hernando County.
Bank customers and clerks are on edge, while investigators fear this repeat armed robber is getting more confident and more dangerous.
A hat and sunglasses is all he is using to cover his face, when he most recently robbing the Fifth Third Bank in Pinellas Park. He's starting to drop his disguise as he continues to get away with terrorizing tellers.
"It's a scary thought every day I'm sure for the tellers and everyone who works at the bank," says Linda Ferrari. She's taking a good look at the different appearances of the suspected robber over the past five months.
At times, he has worn a wig. On surveillance video, he's seen casually strolling into the bank like he's making a deposit, then slips a note to the teller demanding money at gunpoint.
"No one wants to go to work and be fearful. I hope they catch him," says Ferrari.
Investigators hope $20,000 will be the incentive for someone to turn this guy in before anyone gets hurt.
"We are up to seven now. He may start to feel like he's untouchable, and he may increase his propensity for violence," says Adam Geissenberger of the Pinellas Park Police Department.
Robbery detectives worry they've been short on clues, because the man may live outside of the Bay area.
"The fact that we have not heard from anybody, any tips to the identity of the person, leads us to believe he could be traveling from all over the state or out of state," says Geissenberger.
Crime analysts are working to develop a pattern. He hasn't stuck to one bank or one city.
He's described as being in this 40s or 50s, usually wears shorts, tennis shoes, and long sleeves, which could be covering up a tattoo or scar.
"It's 90 degrees outside, walking into a bank with the heavy shirt on should be an indication to not only the employees, but other customers inside," says Geissenberger.
Investigators insist people should call 911 if you see him, and if they are in the bank when a robbery goes down. Don't try to be a hero.
"I would just have to try to walk out as quickly as possible," says Ferrari.
Investigators are connecting the man to these robberies:
-- November 25, 2014, Clearwater, SunTrust Bank at 26627 US Highway 19.
-- December 19, 2014, Palm Harbor, Cadence Bank at 36301 US Highway 19 North.
-- January 2, 2015, Safety Harbor, Fifth Third Bank at 1703 McMullen Booth Road.
-- February 5, 2015, Palm Harbor, Patriot Bank at 924 Palm Harbor Boulevard.
-- March 3, 2015, Spring Hill, Cadence Bank at 1300 Pinehurst Drive.
-- April 3, 2015, Seminole, Fifth Third Bank at 10899 Park Boulevard.
-- April 30, 2015, Pinellas Park, Fifth Third Bank at 7770 66th Street.
If you have any information, call Pinellas County Crime Stoppers: 1-800-873-TIPS.
