FBI: 'Holiday Bandit' Strikes Again At Astoria, Queens Bank
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The man dubbed the "Holiday Bandit" has struck in New York City for the second time this week and seventh time overall, according to the FBI.
Authorities said 35-year-old Marat G. Mikhaylich, entered the Investors Savings Bank on Broadway in Astoria, Queens around 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon and demanded cash while brandishing a firearm.
Mikhaylich robbed his sixth New York bank earlier this week. He allegedly hit the Capital One bank located at 4612 13th Ave. in Brooklyn.
According to the FBI, in that incident, Mikhaylich demanded even more money from a second teller after the first teller he threatened could not come up with enough money.
Mikhaylich is described as a white male, approximately 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds.
FBI Assistant Special Agent Michael Rourke appealed to the public to "be vigilant" and "on the lookout" for Mikhaylich.
In addition to the aforementioned robberies, The Holiday Bandit, named for his alleged actions in proximity to Christmas and New Year's, has also been accused in the following robberies:
* Capital One bank located at 1411 Forest Ave., Staten Island on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011.
* Capital One Bank, located at 31-17 Broadway, Astoria, Queens on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.
* Sovereign Bank, located at 24-29 Jackson Ave., Queens, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2010.
* Ridgewood Savings Bank, located at 8522 Third Ave., Brooklyn on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2010.
* Sovereign Bank, located at 37-10 Broadway, Astoria, Queens on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010.
