‘Business Bandit’ sought in local robberies

Posted on January 16, 2019
Bloomington Police say the “Business Bandit” is a black male, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8 inches tall, with a medium build. (Photo courtesy Bloomington Police Department)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police believe the same suspect committed most of the armed robberies that have happened at Bloomington-Normal businesses since early last month.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help to find the man they call the “Business Bandit,” and are encouraging area businesses to beef up their security

Police believe the “Business Bandit” has committed at least seven of the nine armed robberies that happened at Twin Cities’ businesses since December 8 to January 13.

Police say the “Bandit” is a black male, 5’6″ to 5’8″ tall, with a medium build. Some of the holdups, he was wearing a black-hooded jacket with buttons or snap pockets on the front side of the coat.

Police are asking all businesses to make sure their video surveillance systems are working and capturing clear video of the inside and outside of their establishments. Don’t cover exterior windows with posters or flyers, police advised.

Anyone with information on this crime series is asked to contact Detective Steve Moreland at 309-434-2359 or [email protected].

Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact McLean County Crime Stoppers at 309-828-1111.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…