FBI PHOTOS
Investigation continues as to whether the same suspect who
held up Territorial Savings yesterday (left) also held
up American Savings branches on Saturday (right)
and Monday (center).

Police investigate
robbery of a fifth
bank in 2 weeks

Investigators are not certain
if the same suspect is responsible

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By Rod Antone
rantone@starbulletin.com

Honolulu police and FBI investigators are questioning whether yesterday's bank robbery was the latest in a string of bank robberies by the same suspect or a copycat.

The latest one took place at the McCully branch of Territorial Savings & Loan Association.

Police said unlike the four other bank robberies that have taken place since July 19, the suspect in this robbery actually displayed a weapon.

Bank surveillance photos show the suspect standing in front of the teller with what looks like a black handgun in his right hand.

"That's a big step, having a weapon," said HPD Detective Jim Anderson. "It's either a copycat, or maybe our suspect is stepping up."

The first robbery in this series happened on July 19 at the Wahiawa American Savings Bank. FBI officials believe the same suspect in that case also robbed the Kaneohe branch of American Savings Bank on July 28 and the Pearl City branch of American Savings Bank on Monday.

Police and FBI also believe the same suspect may have robbed the Dillingham Plaza branch of Hawaii National Bank on Tuesday but are hesitant to confirm that because they say while witness descriptions bear some similarities, there are also some differences.

The suspect description in the first three robberies is of a male in his 30s, between 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with a fair complexion and blond hair. The suspect in Tuesday's robbery is also described as in his 30s with blond hair but weighing 120 pounds and standing approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Police said the latest bank robbery suspect, according to surveillance photos, also bears some facial similarities to the first three. However, witnesses describe yesterday's suspect as in his 20s, standing approximately 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds.

Police and the FBI are asking the public's assistance in these cases in identifying the suspect or suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME from a cellular phone. Tips also can be called into the FBI at 566-4300.