The suspect in a local bank robbery is now being linked to a string of crimes throughout Northwest Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

The St. Joseph County Police have been working with the FBI to identify the man they say is responsible for several purse thefts, fraud and two other bank robberies in Lansing, Illinois and Munster, Indiana.

The photos in the FBI wanted poster are of the suspect and the vehicle believed to be used during the crimes.

The St. Joseph County Police got involved in the investigation after an armed robbery in the area on January 5. It happened at the Mutual Bank in the 23000 block of State Road 2.

Police say a man walked into the bank, said he had a weapon, and asked the teller for cash.

The suspect is described as a black male in his 40's, between 6' and 6' 2", with a medium build, and has a 'crater' type acne scar on his face.

He drives a newer model Nissan Maxima with Illinois plates and rear tail light damage.

Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts is asked to call 235-9569 or crime stoppers at 288-STOP.