โ€˜Handsome Guy Bandit' Owns Funeral Business

FBI, police search for bank robber after shots fired

The armed bandit who robbed more than a dozen North Texas banks wearing an elaborate disguise and fired at an officer on Saturday is the owner of a Tyler funeral business, police say.

Richardson police identified the "Handsome Guy Bandit" as Steven Ray Milam.

On Saturday, Milam -- in his "Handsome Guy" mask -- robbed the Compass Bank in Richardson, police said. As he ran off, he fired a gun at an officer multiple times, hitting a squad car.

Police say they recovered a mask, gun, money and his car on Saturday, but have not found the suspect.

Milam, 44, was dubbed the "Handsome Guy Bandit" because of his professional, realistic-looking mask that covered his entire head. The disguise costs about $800 and is used for special effects.

Milam lived in a well-kept Tyler home on a quiet street with his wife and young son, neighbors said.

"We chatted with them on a few occasions," said neighbor Kathy Ghrist. "We didn't have any idea that he was dangerous or that he was a criminal."

Milam also founded a discount funeral business in Tyler called "Monumental Memorials." His picture appeared on its website. FBI agents searched the business on Monday.

"Sometimes he's nice, sometimes he hasn't been nice," said Shawn Robinson, who runs a fancy car business next door. "As far as seeing a customer, i don't think I could ever say I saw one customer."

Milam has a criminal record dating back to the 1980's, but few in Tyler apparently knew of his past.

He appeared in at least one local television news report promoting his funeral business.

Robinson said in recent months Milam appeared to stop selling caskets and instead marketed miscellaneous items people left in storage containers.

Officials believe Milam is armed and dangerous.

Anyone with any information about Milam should call Richardson police at 972-744-4801.

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