FBI offers reward for information on 'Bloomer Bandits,' wanted in string of violent, armed robberies
MILWAUKEE -- A violent armed robbery crew is targeting Milwaukee businesses. They've hit eight in just over one week on the city's north and south sides. The FBI believes at least three suspects are involved and one is wearing distinctive orange underwear. They've been dubbed the "Bloomer Bandits" and investigators hope someone knows who they are.
"I was so scared that I wasn't thinking," said Jaime Perez, Imagen Beauty Salon.
Terrifying moments captured on camera.
"It changed my life," said Perez.
As Jaime Perez was getting ready to close the Imagen Beauty Salon on 13th Street Thursday, January 19th, two masked men stormed through the door.
"They put a gun on my back and then they take my wallet away, they take my money," said Perez.
Perez is seen lying on the ground while the suspect rifles through his pockets. A handful of customers were in the salon, including a young child.
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"I was thinking most about the kid," said Perez.
Investigators say at least eight other businesses have been targeted by the same suspects in the last week.
January 18th, a T-Mobile store was hit by two suspects. The employees were shoved to the ground and robbed.
The robbery that took place at the T-Mobile store on Lincoln Avenue was also captured on surveillance. Police say around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 18th, the suspects entered the store, pointed guns at employees and stole money from the registers. The employees were also shoved to the ground and robbed.
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Both suspects fled the store on foot southbound.
One suspect is described as a male, between 20-25 years old, 160-175 pounds with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, army green pants, orange underwear with a black waistband and a white mask.
Another suspect is described as a male, between 20-25 years old, 160 pounds with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes.
"We have seen an escalation in the violence," said FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Reid Norris.
The criminals have been dubbed the "Bloomer Bandits." One suspect is seen on camera wearing distinctive orange underwear.
Imagen Beauty Salon armed robbery
T-mobile robbery suspects
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Reid Norris, says they are working with Milwaukee police to catch the criminals.
"We really don't want to get to the point where these guys actually kill somebody," said Norris.
Perez and his customers are trying to move forward.
"It makes you think how your life can change so fast," said Perez.
Trying to stay optimistic at a very scary time.
"Happy to be alive," said Perez.
Investigators say the suspects are just stealing from cash registers and safes, they're robbing each individual inside the business.
The FBI and the Milwaukee Police Department are working jointly through the Milwaukee Are Violent Crime Task Force to locate these suspects.
The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for these armed robberies. If you have any information you are asked to contact the FBI at 414-276-4684.