Police suspect that the man who robbed Anchor Bank Friday—located just blocks from the Capitol—may have also recently robbed other banks in the Madison area.
The robbery occurred at the Anchor Bank on Capitol Square, 25 W. Main St., in the heart of the downtown area near such buildings as City Hall, the Dane County Courthouse and the county jail.
The suspect is a black male, about 5'7\, 140 pounds and approximately in his mid-30s, according to a release by the Madison Police Department. At the time of the robbery, the suspect was wearing a dark blue parka and a blue stocking cap. He reportedly asked for money, implied to the teller he was carrying a weapon and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect remains at large.
Police said photos taken from Friday's robbery have confirmed the man responsible fits the description of other recent robberies in the area.
Mike Hanson, MPD spokesperson, said the Anchor Bank suspect is connected to three other robberies. He said the man matches the police reports from robberies at M&I Bank, 1202 N. Sherman Ave., a Fitchburg location and another Madison area business.
Hanson said the police are weighing multiple options as to how the suspect was able to flee so quickly and on more than one occasion. He noted that the idea of an accomplice could exist in this situation, but is unlikely.
""Indications are that he would be alone,"" Hanson said. ""Still, you have to leave all your doors open.""
Madison Area Crime Stoppers said the bank robber is a top priority. However, the group said they do not plan to put the suspect on Madison's Most Wanted list.
According to the group, a repeat bank robber would merit a top spot on the list. Yet, with no name or warrant for a list of things he is wanted for, it is not possible to put him on the list at this date.
Friday's bank robbery is the second one this year. Madison police are currently on pace to see 24 bank robberies this year, which would fall just short of last years record-setting 28.
