Reward Offered in Search for Lake County Bandits

February 18, 2010 - Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) appealed to the public today for help in identifying the individuals depicted in the attached wanted flyer, who are responsible for the armed take-over robberies of three (3) Lake County, Illinois banks since November of last year. In making this appeal, Mr. Grant announced that a reward of up to $10,000 was being offered by the FBI for information leading to the arrest of those involved.

The most recent theft occurred on December 23, 2009, when the Bridgeview Bank branch, located in Vernon Hills, was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. According to witnesses, an employee who exited the bank at closing time was confronted outside by three robbers, who forced her back inside. All three were armed with what appeared to be automatic weapons, which they used to take control of the bank, forcing employees to the floor. One robber stood guard in the lobby while the other two removed cash from multiple teller drawers and the vault, which they placed into a dark colored bag that they had brought with them.

All three then fled the bank, disappearing into the parking lot. Although no get-away vehicle was observed in this incident, the robbers were previously seen entering an older model (2000 – 2005), Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe, which was driven by an accomplice.

Prior robberies committed by this group were reported on December 3, 2009 at the Associated Bank branch in Lindenhurst and on November 12, 2009 at the America United Bank branch in Gurnee. No shots were fired in any of the robberies and no serious injuries were reported although several bank employees have been punched, pushed or dragged during these incidents.

In all three incidents, the robbers were wearing black clothing and ski masks, which concealed their identities. Three of the robbers have been described as black/males, 25 – 35 years of age. One is believed to be 5’8” – 5’ 10” tall with a medium build, while the others are each in excess of 6’ tall with heavy builds. The fourth robber is believed to be a Hispanic/male, 5’5” – 5’7” tall with a thin build.

This matter is being investigated jointly by the FBI, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lindenhurst and Vernon Hills Police Departments. Anyone recognizing these individuals or having any information about these robberies is asked to call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.

Additional information about this case and other unsolved Chicago area bank robberies, including downloadable photographs, is available on-line at the Bandit Tracker web site, www.bandittrackerchicago.com.