Which 2017 robbery suspect name is strangest?

Laura Gómez Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK Law enforcement agencies have a knack for nicknaming notable crime suspects, especially those involved in robberies.

The fashion choice for the crime, or the apparent trend in targets, are characteristics that usually earn the suspects these monikers. Several highprofile examples drew attention in 2017.

The nicknames are meant to highlight a characteristic the public can to look at and can recognize — and tip off authorities, said Special Agent Chris Maffei, bank robbery coordinator for the FBI’s Phoenix division.

“We are not trying to be cute. We try not to pick anything that would glorify their actions,” Maffei said. “We look for characteristics. We try to pick something that is relevant to the investigation but will also generate an interest in the case.”

Notable monikers involving suspect in Arizona in 2017, based on information provided by the FBI and police: The Grimace Bandit: This robber is accused of hitting seven financial institutions all over Arizona late last year in the span of five weeks and stealing nearly $15,000 in cash.

During the first two robberies, the alleged robber wore a purple shirt and scarf, earning her the nickname Grimace Bandit, after the fictional cone-shaped, purple McDonald’s character.

The suspect in these crimes, Miranda Maloney, was arrested in Mississippi on Dec. 23. The Blues Bandit: This serial bank robber gained notoriety across the Valley for his tailored suit, fedora hat and square-framed glasses.

The eight bank robberies happened throughout the Phoenix area between Oct. 3, 2016, and May 11, 2017.

Six of the incidents targeted Desert Schools Federal Credit Union branches inside Walmart stores. The robber also struck a U.S. Bank inside an Albertsons in March and an Academy Bank inside Walmart in May.

FBI and Phoenix officials arrested suspect Juan A. Rivera Jr. in August. The Fashion Forward Bandit: The Fashion Forward bandit allegedly robbed 16 banks, fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and a pet store across the Valley over a 10-week period.

This robber would use accessories, like a scarf wrapped around his face, a mask or a hat, to try to conceal his identity. The suspect in these robberies, Kip Lessard, was arrested in his Chandler home in October.

Slip-on Shoes Bandit:

This name was given to the bank robber because she frequently wore slipon shoes when robbing four East Valley banks.

The robberies happened between Jan. 30 and Feb. 16 last year in Scottsdale, Chandler and Tempe.

Cornetta Newton was arrested in March in Scottsdale during an attempted robbery and authorities said she was being held in connection with the other robberies attributed to the Slip-onShoes Bandit.

The Thirsty Cowboy:

This alleged robber wore a cowboy hat and donned a toy revolver that had been altered to look real during four robberies in Tempe and Mesa.

This bandit robbed a Water and Ice Store, Fiiz Drinks and Bahama Bucks in Mesa.

Officers arrested Aaron Michael Hess, 58, on Dec. 14 on suspicion of four robberies.

The Footlong Bandit:

Authorities say this bandit robbed five Subway restaurants in Mesa and Gilbert this summer.

Hunter Clancy, 22, told officers he was responsible for all five after he was arrested in August.