CHICAGO (STNG) -- A man suspected of committing at least five bank robberies in Chicago and dubbed the "Debonair Bandit" because of his dapper appearance has been arrested by FBI agents in Atlanta.
James I. Howze, 48, whose last known address was 10232 S. Prospect Ave. in Chicago, was arrested in Atlanta by FBI agents earlier Tuesday without incident, according to the FBI.
Howze has been the subject of an intense manhunt by the Chicago FBI Violent Crimes Task Force since being charged in a criminal complaint last month with one count of bank robbery. In the complaint, Howze is alleged to have robbed the Chase Bank branch at 35 W. Wacker Dr. on Dec. 23.
According to the complaint, Howze entered the bank just after it opened and approached a teller. He placed an attache case on the counter and announced a robbery, demanding cash, according to a release from the FBI.
After receiving about $1,400 in cash, Howze fled the bank on foot, disappearing into the passing crowd.
Following the robbery, surveillance photos were publicized in the local media, resulting in numerous tips, which identified Howze as the robber, the release said.
He was traced to Atlanta, where he was arrested.
He has been dubbed the "Debonair Bandit" because of his well-dressed, almost dapper appearance, including the use of an attache case and trademark fedora, which he wore in all the bank robberies, according to the release.
Howze is suspected of the armed robbery of at least five banks in Chicago dating back to November 2008.
He will have an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Atlanta later Tuesday, at which time he will be formally charged. If convicted, Howze up to 20 years in prison.
Copyright 2009 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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