The FBI said the suspect in Wednesday's foiled robbery of a Rose Park bank is the same man who tried to rob a Sandy bank in September.

The suspect is described as a white male in his mid-20s with dark curly hair. He has a thin build and is approximately 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing a white ski cap and denim jeans with the pant legs rolled up.On Dec. 15, the man handed a teller a note demanding money at a First Security Bank, 783 N. Redwood Road, an FBI release said. He also threatened to set off a bomb he said was in his briefcase. When employees refused to comply, the man left his briefcase and fled empty-handed on foot.

An X-ray revealed only broken bricks, trash and other nonhazardous material in the briefcase, according to the report.

In a similar incident, a man unsuccessfully tried to rob the Zions First National Bank, 125 W. 10600 South, in Sandy on Sept. 24, the release stated. When tellers refused to comply, he left a briefcase filled with 10 pipe bombs. The bombs were defused at the site, and the suspect attained no money.

The FBI also is searching for a late 1970s red or maroon Ford van that was at the scene, the release said. The van was missing a large circular spot of paint on the passenger side.

View Comments

Anyone with information concerning the suspect or van is encouraged to call the FBI at 579-1400 or the Salt Lake police department at 799-3000.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.