Nearby: Police Believe Buckhead Bank Robber Killed in Phoenix Shootout

By Bob Pepalis 

A suspect believed to have been responsible for robberies at banks in Buckhead and Mississippi and the shooting death of a Tupelo officer is believed to have been killed during an attempted robbery in Phoenix, AZ.

Although the Jackson, MS FBI office sent out an email stating the belief, other FBI offices haven't commented yet.

A masked man was seen entering the Compass Bank at 10 a.m. Phoenix time armed with a handgun, reportedmyFoxPhoenix.com. He demanded cash. After filling a bag with cash from the vault, the suspect fled.

He encountered Phoenix police who exchange gunfire with him. The suspect was shot and killed.

In his previous encounter with police, a Tupelo, MS officer was shot and killed, and another seriously injured by the suspect. 

Two bank robberies and the shooting of two Tupelo police officers all happened on Dec. 23, according to a release by the FBI. One of the officers died as a result and the other officer was critically wounded.

On Monday morning a man armed with a handgun entered the Bank of America in the 2600 block of Piedmont Road and demanded cash, according to Stephen Emmett, spokesman for the FBI Atlanta office, reported the AJC's Alexis Stevens.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible for these violent crimes. The suspect should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

The unknown suspect is described as approximately 5 feet, 8 inches  to 6 feet tall with a slender build. The suspect was wearing a facemask, a shirt or jacket with an "Aztec" pattern, khaki pants, and tennis shoes similar to the Converse brand.

The suspect's vehicle is described as a gray sedan, possibly a late-model Chrysler 200.

If you have any information concerning this case, the FBI asks that you contact the its tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI, your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.