'Bearded Bandit' still on the loose

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Federal, state, and local police are joining forces in an attempt to track down a suspect in a string of area robberies.

Nicknamed "The Bearded Bandit" for his appearance, the man is accused of robbing six banks since February.

The bandit's first target was Feb. 23 in Seekonk , and has since robbed five banks in Rhode Island:

• April 16 in Cranston
• May 7 in Warwick
• June 27 in North Providence
• July 26 in Barrington
• Aug. 25 in East Providence

The crimes all occurred approximately 30 days apart, and usually took place between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Police tell us that he usually threatens the tellers with a gun, but has never shown one. He's also known to speak on a cell phone while committing the robberies.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s or 40s, standing about 5'10", and he may have a tattoo on his left shoulder. Police advise the public to not be fooled by the hair or beard since he may be wearing a wig and a dyed or fake beard.

He often wears a brown hooded sweatshirt, a blue knit cap, and warm-up pants, but he has also been seen wearing a light green baseball cap and a grey hooded sweatshirt with flames on the front and sleeves. Police believe he may change his clothes after he flees the scene on foot.

The FBI has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Rhode Island State Police at (401) 444-1164, the Massachusetts State Police at (978) 451-3700, or the FBI.