Same man suspected in 2 Center City bank robberies

The FBI and Philly cops are looking for a red-handed robber who they say hit two Center City banks in two days.

Investigators are hoping that the red-dye packs exploded in the two bags of cash he took, and that the dye got on his hands and clothes.

At 2:43 p.m. Friday, the robber, wearing a black T-shirt, threatened a teller at a Bank of America branch at 1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd., when he demanded money and then fled.

At 11:10 a.m. Saturday, cops say, the same man entered the Citizens Bank branch at 1515 Market St., claimed he was armed and demanded money. He later fled with the money.

There were no injuries in either robbery, and neither branch disclosed the amount of money stolen.

"Agents believe the same individual is responsible for both bank robberies," FBI agent Thomas Perzichilli said. "At this point, it is unclear if these are the only bank robberies he is responsible for, but agents are continuing to investigate."

The Bank of America robber is described as 5 feet 7, black, 26 to 34 years old, thin build with full facial hair trimmed short and medium-length curly hair.

Based on a dark black-and-white bank-surveillance photo taken during the robbery, authorities believe the man is dark-complected.

In the Citizens Bank robbery, the suspect is described as being in his 30s, about 5 feet 9, medium build, curly dark hair, thick beard and moustache, brown eyes, tan jacket and blue jeans.

The bank-surveillance photo at Citizens is in color and showed a full-frontal view of the robber's face, which appeared light-complected.

To view fliers of this and other bank robbers wanted by a task force of FBI agents and police officers with the major crimes unit, check the Web site www.pdonline.org, and click on the detectives box and Violent Crime Task Force link.