Philadelphia

Burqa-Wearing, Bomb Threatening Serial Robber Strikes Northeast Philadelphia Banks: FBI

A bomb-threatening woman concealed in Muslim garb is believed to be behind a series of recent bank heists, said federal investigators.

The FBI released photos Monday in hopes of tracking down the woman they call a serial bank robber who struck three Northeast Philadelphia banks in the past month or so.

In each case, a medium-built woman standing around 5-foot, 5-inches to 5-foot, 6-inches tall wearing a full black burqa that showed only her eyes presented a teller with a note saying she had a bomb and wanted cash, said the FBI. The woman could be driving or riding in a dark-colored SUV – possibly a Nissan Rogue or Murano, said investigators.

The first heist took place June 9 at the Santander Bank at 9856 Bustleton Avenue. The same woman then struck the PNC Bank at 12300 Academy Road on June 16 and the Citizens Bank at 3200 Red Lion Road on July, said the FBI.

The Philadelphia Division of the FBI asked that anyone with information on the heists or the suspect -- who is considered armed and dangerous -- to call 215-418-4000.

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