A woman described by the FBI as the “Biddy Bandit” was arrested on suspicion of bank robberies in the Phoenix area with help from tip from the public.

Elizabeth Ainslie, 56, was taken into custody Tuesday, according to an FBI news release. She is suspected of three bank robberies and two attempted bank robberies.

The FBI says the robber approached bank tellers, presented a demand note and then fled on foot. No one was injured during the incidents.

Ainslie is suspected of robberies or attempted robberies at the following banks:

  • Aug. 4, 2018 – Chase Bank, 2950 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix
  • Sept. 10, 2018 – Wells Fargo Bank, 1901 S. Gilbert Road, Mesa
  • Nov. 14, 2018 – Chase Bank, 4714 S. Rural Road, Tempe
  • Nov. 24, 2018 – Chase Bank, 2950 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix, 
  • Dec. 8, 2018 – Chase Bank, 4250 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Ainslie faces three counts of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery. She also was convicted of bank robbery in 2009, court documents stated.

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