Man wanted for 2 bank robberies in 40 minutes; one successful, one not

A man is suspected of trying to commit two bank robberies in less than an hour, Friday morning, and now both Philadelphia police and the FBI are hoping you can help catch him.

They say at about 10am, he entered the Hyperion Bank branch at 199 W. Girard Avenue and passed a teller a demand note. Then, he got an undisclosed amount of cash and escaped.

Authorities say they think the same man tried to rob the Citizens Bank branch at 6201 N. 5th Street, just 40 minutes earlier. They say that time, he made a verbal demand for cash but soon got away empty-handed.

The suspect is described as in his 40s, about 5'8" to 5'9" tall, with a medium to large build, and scraggly black and gray beard.

He was wearing an off-white polo shirt with pink and blue stripes, blue jeans, sunglasses, and a blue knit kufi hat.

Police consider him armed and dangerous, and want to identify and find him. They say there is a reward for information leading to his capture and tipsters can remain anonymous. Refer to case numbers MC #16-040 and #16-041.

If you recognize him or know where he is, you're asked to call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Philadelphia Police Department 215-686-TIPS (8477). You can also text a tip to police at PPDTIP (773847), or click here to submit a tip anonymously.