By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
The serial bank robber known for his fake beard disguises struck for the ninth time at 2:45 p.m. yesterday.
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| Honolulu police graphic artists and the FBI Forensic Unit in Quantico, Va., developed this likeness of the suspect without the fake beard. |
The robber, whom the FBI has nicknamed the "Black Beard Bandit," entered the Kailua branch of First Hawaiian Bank at 705 Kailua Road. The man approached the teller, demanded money and fled on foot mauka on Kailua Road, police said. He is believed to be responsible for eight other bank robberies since January of last year.
The same man is suspected of robbing Waipahu’s First Hawaiian Bank on Jan. 28 and June 13, Waipahu’s Bank of Hawai‘i on July 26, Pearl City’s American Savings Bank on Sept. 15, Waipahu’s American Savings Bank on Oct. 31, Pearl City’s Bank of Hawai‘i on Nov. 24, Waimalu’s City Bank on Nov. 27 and Kane‘ohe’s City Bank on Dec. 22.
Authorities believe he has broken the statewide record for bank holdups, surpassing William Sarcedo Jr. who admitted to eight robberies, including six in one day in 1999.
Authorities also have moved a step closer to identifying him. Honolulu police graphic artists and the FBI Forensic Unit in Quantico, Va., have developed a likeness of the suspect without the fake beard.
"Everybody got their hands on it and this is what he looks like," Honolulu Police Department Det. Letha DeCaires said.
Anyone who recognizes this suspect is asked to call the FBI at 566-4300 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
Meanwhile, police yesterday arrested Richard K. Moniz, 37, on suspicion of robbing the Kapahulu branch of First Hawaiian Bank on Thursday.
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