FBI Seeks 'High-Vis Heister' for Armed Bank Robbery in Houston

Suspect wore a fluorescent safety vest during the heist at American Bank

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The FBI is searching for a Hispanic male suspect in his 30s or 40s who robbed an American Bank branch in Houston at gunpoint on January 30, 2026. The suspect entered the bank, displayed a black handgun, and verbally demanded cash from a teller, who complied out of fear. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, got into a dark-colored SUV, and drove away. No one was physically harmed during the robbery.

Why it matters

Bank robberies are serious crimes that can traumatize victims and undermine public confidence in the safety of financial institutions. The FBI is seeking the public's help to identify and apprehend this armed and dangerous suspect before he can strike again.

The details

According to authorities, the robbery occurred around 2:30 p.m. on January 30, 2026, at the American Bank located at 4145 South Alameda Street in Houston. The suspect entered the bank, threw a bag at a teller, displayed a black handgun, and verbally demanded cash. Fearing for her life, the teller complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect then fled the bank on foot, got into a dark-colored SUV, and drove away southbound on Everhart Road.

  • The robbery occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

American Bank

The bank branch located at 4145 South Alameda Street in Houston that was robbed.

FBI Houston

The local field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that is leading the investigation into the bank robbery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The FBI is asking the public to help identify the suspect, who is described as a Hispanic male in his early 30s to early 40s, approximately 5'9" tall with a medium build. During the robbery, he wore a camouflaged-colored Hooey baseball cap, dark sunglasses, a ski mask, a long-sleeved black shirt, dark pants, cowboy boots, a black Hardy glove, and a fluorescent high-visibility safety vest.

The takeaway

This brazen armed robbery highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to apprehend dangerous criminals and maintain public safety. The suspect's use of a high-visibility vest during the crime is an unusual and concerning tactic that may indicate a pattern of similar robberies.