Authorities: “Loan Ranger” Strikes Again

SALADO — Authorities say the man known as the “Loan Ranger” has robbed yet another bank in Texas. According to KETK, Salado Police Chief Jack Hensley says the bandit knocked off the First State Bank in Central Texas on Monday at around 10:40 a.m. Authorities say he used a handgun and did not wear a mask. Witnesses say he wore a navy blue sports shirt and white shoes. After the robbery, the gunman left First State on foot. This is believed to be his sixth bank robbery in the past three years.

The man is accused of robbing Summit Bank on the 1100 block of Highway 35 North in Benton, Arkansas, on January 16, 2009 and again on June 30, 2011. Authorities say he then came to Tyler and robbed the Altra Federal Credit Union located in the 5500 block of Troup Highway on August 11, 2011. He’s also allegedly responsible for robbing the Compass Bank on the 6900 block of S. Broadway on May 17, 2012. And, most recently, he allegedly held up First State Bank at 50 South Main Street in Salado, Texas on July 9, 2012. He is also believed to have recently robbed a credit union in Temple, Texas.

Authorities are still waiting for surveillance video from the bank heist in Salado. Law enforcement authorities in all three cities, along with the FBI, are coordinating their efforts to catch the purported “Loan Ranger.” Officials say the robber received his nickname from the Texas Rangers ball cap he wore.