Police Can't Reel In 'Fishing HatBandit'

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - (10/04/04) -- When the 'Fishing Hat Bandit'returned Friday to the same credit union he robbed a year ago, hepassed a demand note to the same City-County FCU teller he robbedlast year. For the same serial thief, known for his choice ofheadwear during most of the 20 hold-ups he is believed responsiblefor, had hit the same credit union branch just 11 months ago, lastOctober 28. As in most of his other heists, the thief wore a nylonstocking over his face and rubber gloves, but this time, he shedhis trademark fishing hat, in favor of a baseball cap, police said.A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to thearrest of the serial robber. The credit unions robbed by theFishing Hat Bandit include: Minnesota's CU, Highgrove Community FCU(twice), Retail Employees CU, Teacher FCU, Twin City Co-Op FCU, St.Paul Retail CU, and Minnesota Building Trades FCU.