The perpetrator known as the Parka Bandit struck again Monday, robbing a Madison gas station for the second time in three weeks.
Wearing a puffy, black winter parka with a hood tied tightly around his face, the bandit either shows or implies a handgun and takes off with an undisclosed amount of money, according to Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain.
The title “Parka Bandit” has been given to the perpetrator of a series of eight crimes that occurred throughout Madison, DeSpain said. The perpetrator is roughly 5 feet 8 to 6 feet tall and, in seven of the eight crimes, the perpetrator has been described as a Caucasian male.
Early Monday evening, the perpetrator entered the Clark gas station at 1129 S. Park St., according to an incident report. The male, matching the description of the Parka Bandit, pointed a handgun at a cashier and took off with the money from the register, DeSpain said.
“[The bandit] is usually in there for 10 to 15 seconds. He points the gun, but never shoots the gun. He demands the money, takes the money, then takes off,” DeSpain added.
According to DeSpain, K-9 units have been used to trace the tracks of the perpetrator; however, the tracks stop, indicating the use of a getaway car. He added this means an accomplice could be involved.
“Working alone or not, there is a lot of determination and (the MPD) is working on the cases to hopefully make an arrest or arrest(s),” DeSpain said.
Ald. Tim Bruer, District 14, attributes the recent crime throughout the city to declining living conditions now affecting Madison’s quality of life.
Madison is known for its public safety, he said; therefore, the city is particularly sensitive to observing unusual or strange behavior.
According to Bruer, these isolated incidents seem to multiply, and the city is currently seeing an influx of one-person crime sprees.
“Especially in this case when we have a one-person crime wave, there is only a matter of time before (the criminal is) arrested,” Bruer said. “But you can never be too careful. I think that these isolated incidents are always a cause for a concern.”
Management at Clarks refused to comment on the robbery.
Those who see person matching the description of the Parka Bandit or anything suspicious are instructed to call Madison Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.
