PHOENIX – Officials say a suspect who used a bizarre ruse in numerous Valley robberies has been arrested.
Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge Nathan Thomas Gray announced Sunday that 43-year-old Samuel Cresante was arrested Friday in connection with the string of robberies.
Cresante had been dubbed the 'Band Aid Bandit' after attempting to disguise himself during the incidents by wearing an arm sling, various bandages on his face, and even using fake blood.
Cresante is wanted for 11 robberies in Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Queen Creek between June 1, 2009 and January 8, 2010.
Special Agent Manuel Johnson said after altering his appearance Cresante allegedly entered a bank, at times with a firearm or demand note, and demanded money from the bank tellers.
The reward for the 'Band Aid Bandit' had skyrocketed in recent weeks, after one of the victimized banks donated $10,000 for any useful information leading to an arrest.
"Once again the success of the bank robbery task force is due to our law enforcement partners working effectively with our agents to get serial bank robbers off our city streets," said Gray.
