The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the High Country Bandits, an armed crew who have allegedly committed 12 bank robberies across Northern Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
The unknown male identified as suspect number one often enters the banks in rural locations near clos-ing time and brandishes a black semi-automatic handgun.
He then demands all the money from the teller drawers. He obtains an undisclosed amount of money, puts it in a bag, orders everyone on the ground, then exits the banks with a second suspect.
They have been seen leaving the banks on a green or maroon four-wheel ATV with suspect number two driving.
Suspect number one is described as a white or Hispanic male between 30 and 40 years of age, ap-proximately 5’3” to 5’6” in height, 130 to 160 pounds (slight build), with brown or grey hair with a possi-ble mustache or beard, and thin legs, who is wearing dark clothing. His voice is described as being deep, rough or raspy.
Suspect number two is described as a white or Hispanic male approximately 30 years old, 6’ tall, 150 to 175 pounds with straight black hair.
The banks that have been robbed over the past five months include Bank of the West in Heber on Sept. 8, First National Bank of Durango in Bayfield, Colo., on Sept. 22, Arizona Central Credit Union in Flagstaff on Oct. 14, Country Bank in Prescott Valley on Oct. 30, First Community Bank in Belen, N.M., on Nov. 10, Compass Bank in Payson on Nov. 25, Chase Bank in Gold Canyon on Dec. 3, Compass Bank in Pinetop on Dec. 4, Wells Fargo Bank in Marana on Dec. 15, Bank of the San Juans in Durango, Colo., on Dec. 22, Sunwest Bank in Flagstaff on Jan. 25, and Community Banks of Colorado in Cortez, Colo., on Feb. 5.
The FBI and local law enforcement partners are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the High Country Bandits. Please contact the nearest FBI office or call the Phoenix FBI at (602) 279-5511 with any information about the identity of the High Country Bandits.
Suspect number two.
Suspect number one.
