SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A brazen bandit-- known for his large, and at times bloody nose-- has struck for the second time within 24 hours in the San Jose area -- this time using a gun in a heist at a Meriwest Credit Union office.

San Jose police detective Mark Pineda said the latest robbery has heightened concerns because it was the first time in five suspected heists where the man has used a gun.

"He could have a gambling problem, a drug problem, we don't know," Pineda told the San Jose Mercury News.

The latest robbery took place at about 9:45 a.m. Thursday at Meriwest Credit Union on Cottle Road in San Jose.

The bandit walked into the credit union, pulled a gun on the tellers and demanded cash, according to Pineda. Fortunately, there were no customers in the credit union at the time.

Investigators believe the "Broken Nose Bandit" hit the Santa Clara County National Bank on North First Street in San Jose on Wednesday and a Wells Fargo on Santa Teresa Boulevard and Bernal Road on Jan. 25, a Citibank in San Leandro on Feb. 12, and a Guarantee Bank in San Carlos four days later.

Pineda said aside from his nose, the bandit is a husky white male, of average height, about 35 to 45 years old. He has worn a baseball cap and a hooded sweatshirt in the robberies.

Anyone with information can contact Pineda at (408) 277-4166. Anonymous tips may be left at (408) 947-STOP.