The Dallas division of the FBI announced on Tuesday that agents arrested a man known as the “Derby Desperado,” who is believed to have committed two high-profile bank robberies in the Dallas area.
Justin Lee Chambers, a 40-year-old resident of Dallas, was taken into custody on earlier this week in connection with the bank robberies that have captivated the region’s attention.
The suspect, dubbed the “Derby Desperado” by authorities, executed a series of bank robberies while dressed in an unusually refined manner, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. His distinctive attire usually included an elegant suit, a fedora, polished dress shoes, and a medical mask.
This unique choice of clothing, combined with a modus operandi involving loud phone conversations and handwritten notes, led to the bank robber’s nickname and an almost myth-like growing interest in the case by the public.
The FBI initially sought public assistance on July 18 to identify the person responsible for the two separate robberies in the Dallas area, reported The Dallas Express.
The first robbery occurred on July 3, when the suspect targeted the Texans Credit Union located in Garland. At around 1:30 p.m., he entered the bank while speaking loudly on his mobile phone, presented a robbery note, and left with a large amount of cash. Witnesses reported that he then fled in a dark SUV, according to the FBI.
The second robbery took place at approximately 1:45 p.m. on July 12 at the Capital One bank branch on Forest Lane. During this robbery, the suspect used similar tactics and once again drove off in a dark SUV, maintaining his signature look.
Chambers has been booked into the Dallas County jail and is expected to face charges in the coming days. Thus far, details regarding his bond and specific charges have not been disclosed. It also remains unclear if Chambers has secured legal representation at this time.
The Dallas Express contacted FBI Dallas for more details on the suspect’s current status and charges but did not receive a response by the publication deadline.
The FBI has been investigating a number of bank robberies in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex this year, including one in which the perpetrator brought a child along for the crime.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a robbery took place at the Texas First Convenience Bank situated inside the Walmart on Anderson Boulevard in Fort Worth on June 6 at approximately 2:10 p.m.
The robber, who had a young child in a shopping cart with him when he approached a bank teller, handed over a note demanding money. After securing the stolen cash, the man fled the location while holding the young girl in his arms.