BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT SOUGHT
Security Camera Photographs Released in Public Appeal

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect implicated in five area bank robberies over the last year. The robber, who has been dubbed the "Gilligan Robber" typically wears a fisherman’s hat during the robberies.

The first robbery took place on August 14, 2002, in Redwood City and the most recent case was July 18 in Union City. He has been linked to other bank robberies in Newark, Mountain View and Sunnyvale.

Several different banks have been struck; three of the locations have been branches located within grocery stores. The suspect is described as being a Philippine or Hispanic male in his late 40s, heavyset, weighing 200 pounds or more. In each case he has worn a fisherman’s hat, but not always the same color. In some cases he has worn sunglasses and in at least one instance was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. He has not used or displayed a weapon during the robberies.

Wells Fargo offers a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the subject.  Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Sunnyvale Detective Kip Melchert at (408) 730-7143.