Local

$10,000 Reward Offered in Search for Presidents’ Day Robbers


Chicago, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individuals depicted in the attached wanted flyer, who are responsible for the armed take-over robbery of two suburban Chicago banks on Monday, February 16, 2009. In publicizing these robberies, Mr. Grant also announced that a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of these individuals.

The first robbery occurred at approximately 1:30 PM, when four men burst into the Suburban Bank and Trust, located at 10350 South Cicero Avenue in Oak Lawn. All four men were armed with handguns, which they openly brandished and used to threaten bank employees. After ordering the employees to the floor, two of the robbers stood guard in the lobby area while the other two robbers vaulted the teller line and filled backpacks with cash from teller drawers. One of the robbers timed the robbery, as he began yelling “time, time, time” in an apparent effort to flee the bank before police could respond.

Witnesses reported seeing the robbers leave the area in a waiting vehicle, described as an older model, 2-door sedan, turquoise in color. A second vehicle, described as a white 4-door sedan, possibly a Ford Taurus, was seen following the first car. This second vehicle possibly served as a lookout car.

Less than three hours later, the Chase Bank branch, located at 4200 West Dempster in Skokie, was taken over by the same individuals, joined by a fifth robber. As they had in Oak Lawn, the robbers entered the bank brandishing handguns and ordered both employees and customers to the floor. Three of the robbers stood guard in the lobby while two others jumped over the teller counter and began filling backpacks with cash. They escaped with an undisclosed amount of money, with no get-away vehicles observed.

Of particular note to investigators are the two-tone, ankle high work boots worn by one of the robbers and the white plaid, flannel work shirt worn by a second. All of the robbers wore dark colored ski masks, which were pulled down over their face, and dark colored gloves. Through witness accounts and surveillance photos, the robbers are described as black/males, 20 – 25 years of age, 5’8” – 6’ tall, medium build.

No shots were fired in either robbery and no injuries were reported.

This case is being investigated jointly by the Chicago FBI and Detectives from the Oak Lawn and Skokie Police Departments.

Anyone recognizing any of these individuals or having any information about the robberies is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.


ARCHIVES