'Mummy Bandit' suspect arrested in Havertown

The case of the "Mummy Bandit" might be wrapped up, as police Wednesday arrested a Mount Airy man they say is the serial bank robber who disguised himself with gauze bandages.

The arrest occurred about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday in Havertown. Haverford Township police had staked out an Alliance Bank branch after a teller Tuesday recognized a man who knocked on the doors after closing. She had seen his face on a wanted flier, said Deputy Chief John Viola. Detectives questioned Hiram Adams, 44, at headquarters. The FBI was expected to charge Adams Wednesday night.

FBI spokesman J.J. Klaver said the "Mummy Bandit" is responsible for at least five robberies during the last year, the most recent of a Sovereign Bank branch in Wyndmoor on June 4. He also struck three banks in Philadelphia and one in Wyncote.

Though he never displayed a weapon, "he has threatened that he has a bomb or is carrying a gun," Klaver said. In each robbery, the bandit carried a yellow bag and made attempts to disguise himself, usually applying bandages to his face. During one robbery, he dressed as a doctor, with a stethoscope hanging from his neck and a hair net over his head. - Sam Wood