Hunt Continues for Bearded Bandit

A man who has allegedly robbed six area banks this year remains on the loose nearly seven months after the first robbery, which authorities say took place at the . The FBI issued a plea to the public for information leading to the capture of the so-called Bearded Bandit. Massachusetts State Police followed up with another request on Monday.

The new wanted notice is attached to this article. It states:

His robberies are about 30 days apart and usually occur between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Tellers are threatened and told he has a gun, but does not show it. He speaks on a cell phone during the robbery. Police believe he may change his clothes after he flees on foot. He often wears a brown hooded sweatshirt, blue knit cap, and warm up pants, but he has also worn a light green baseball cap and great hooded shirt with flames on the front and sleeves. 

Authorities say the first robbery took place Feb. 23 in Seekonk. Additional robberies were reported in Cranston (April 16), Warwick (May 7), North Providence (June 27), Barrington (July 26) and North Pawtucket (Aug. 25). 

The suspect is described as a five-foot-10-inch white male in his 30s or 40s who may have a tattoo of flames on his left shoulder and has full lips along with a "unique nasal bridge." His beard and hair are dark, but both may be dyed or fake, authorities say.

Those who have information that can identify the suspect should contact the Massachusetts police at 978-451-3700 or the Rhode Island police at 401-441-1164. The FBI, which is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the Bearded Bandit's capture, can be contacted at 617-742-5533.