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Biddy Bandit in custody after multiple robberies in Phoenix area
Posted
The FBI has announced the arrest of a robbery suspect dubbed the "Biddy Bandit," suspected of several incidents in the Phoenix area.
On Tuesday, Elizabeth Ainslie, 56, was taken into custody without incident in Phoenix.
Ms. Ainslie is being charged with three bank robberies and two attempted bank robberies which occurred between Aug. 4 and Dec. 8.
During the robberies, the suspect approached the tellers and presented a robbery demand note, then fled on foot. No one was physically injured.
A federal complaint indicates more than $4,000 was taken.
An anonymous tip from the public led authorities to identify the suspect. The tipster told authorities that Ms. Ainslie was a former coworker and that time sheets suggested Ms. Ainslie was either off work or near a robbery location at each of the following locations:
8/4/18 - Chase Bank, 2950 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix
9/10/18 - Wells Fargo, 1901 S. Gilbert Road, Mesa
11/14/18 - Chase Bank, 4714 S. Rural Road, Tempe
11/24/18 - Chase Bank 2950 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix
12/8/18 - Chase Bank, 4250 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix
The FBI found and questioned Ms. Ainslie on Tuesday, when she reportedly admitted to involvement in the robberies.
Authorities also learned Ms. Ainslie had been convicted of robbery in 2009.