E.P. robber may be "bearded bandit"

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- East Providence Police say the suspect in a bank robbery Saturday appears to match the description of the "bearded bandit."

The "bearded bandit" is the nickname for a man who is believed to be responsible for a string of bank robberies across Rhode Island.

Police say he is believed to be the suspect in a bank robbery that occurred on County Road in Barrington in late July as well as four other similar bank robberies all occurring within the last six months.

The FBI is also involved in searching for the "bearded bandit" and is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest.  The FBI said in July his methods are similar in each robbery and says he has a weapon, but does not show one.

According to East Providence Police, the suspect in Saturday’s robbery is a white male with a beard wearing a brown long sleeved sweatshirt, blue knit cap, and blue or gray athletic style pants. 

Anyone with information regarding the robbery should contact the East Providence Police Department.