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FBI: 'Holiday Bandit' Strikes Again, This Time In New Jersey

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- After striking seven times since December in New York City, it appears the "holiday bandit" has crossed state lines.

"It's possible that he's sort of branched out because he feels New York City may have too much scrutiny," the FBI's Jim Margolin said.

Marat Mikhaylich, 35, is wanted in a bank heist at a Sovereign Bank in Woodbridge, N.J. on Friday.

Jim Margolin tells 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg the suspect may have a substance abuse problem

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Officials said the 6-foot-5, 210 pound Ukranian national allegedly slipped a note to the teller demanding money, displayed a semi-automatic pistol and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

"As far as we know he's transient, so we don't know where he is right now," Margolin said.

Mikhaylich is suspected of robbing four banks in Queens, two in Brooklyn and one on Staten Island.

"He doesn't linger, he goes to an available teller, produces a gun, makes his demand and leaves pretty promptly," Margolin said.

The FBI said Mikhaylich often introduces himself to non-Russian speakers as Mark and wears dark clothing, including a black hat, black ear muffs, dark sunglasses, and a dark coat.

Mikhaylich has allegedly made off with a total of more then $50,000. The FBI said Mikhaylich should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Holiday Bandit, named for his alleged actions in proximity to Christmas and New Year's, has also been accused in the following robberies:

* Investors Savings Bank located at 35-02 Broadway, Astoria, Queens on Feb. 16, 2011.

* Capital One bank located at 4612 13th Ave. in Brooklyn on Feb. 13, 2011.

* 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.

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