Authorities search for robber who targeted 2 Miami Beach banks

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - An investigation is underway in Miami Beach after two banks were targeted by the same robber.

Miami Beach Police and FBI detectives first responded to an attempted robbery at a Regions bank, at 780 W. 41st St., just after 9 a.m., Friday.

K-9 units responded to the scene, but the attempted robber had managed to escape.

“We’re told that a man entered the bank as they were opening [and] demanded money,” Miami Beach Police spokesperson Ernesto Rodriguez said. “Thankfully, he wasn’t able to leave with any money, and there were no injuries.”

Shortly after, authorities responded to a robbery at a nearby Ocean Bank, at 501 W. 41st St., just after 11 a.m.

7News sources said thousands of dollars were taken from the second bank. However, the exact amount that was taken will not be released, police said.

Rodriguez said no weapons were used in either robbery.

“No weapons were implied, but we’re still very early on in the investigation, so that’ll come from a lot of video surveillance,” Rodriguez said. “That’ll come from the interview of the victims. A lot of interviews ahead. Again, FBI will be the lead investigating agency on any bank robbery, including this one, so it will be a collaborative effort.”

FBI investigators have released two surveillance pictures of the man inside the banks.

There were no victims involved in both incidents.

The robber was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark sunglasses. He may also be wearing a lime green long-sleeved T-shirt and blue baseball cap pictured in the Regions attempted robbery.

If you have any information on this man’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

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