$10,000 Reward Offered in South Suburban Credit Union Robberies

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that a reward of up to $10,000 was being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individuals responsible for the August 18, 2010 armed robbery of the Sherwin-Williams Credit Union, located at 14700 South Myrtle Avenue in south suburban Harvey, Illinois.

The robbery took place just after 10:00 a.m., when a robber armed with a handgun forced his way in through an employee entrance. He used plastic zip ties to bind the hands of bank employees and a guard, threatening all with harm if his orders were not followed. He was then able to enter the vault area, where he placed a large amount of currency into a dark cloth duffle bag that he brought with him.

The robber then used a cell phone to call an accomplice, who was apparently waiting nearby. The accomplice arrived in the area, driving what witnesses described as a late model Chevrolet Impala or Malibu, silver in color, with no front license plate. The robber entered the front passenger seat and the vehicle departed the area.

The robber was described by witnesses only as black/male, 5’ 10” tall, thin build, wearing all black clothing and dark gloves. The driver of the get-away vehicle was described as a black/male, heavy build, with a fade haircut and a well-trimmed beard.

The Sherwin-Williams Credit Union was the victim of a similar take-over robbery in October of 2009. Although there are many similarities between the two incidents, it is unknown at this time if the same individuals are responsible for both thefts.

This matter is being investigated jointly by the FBI and Harvey Police Department. Anyone recognizing these individuals or having any information about this robbery is asked to call the FBI at (312) 421-6700 or the Harvey Police Department at (708) 331-3030.

Additional information about this case and other unsolved bank robberies, including downloadable photographs, is available on the Bandit Tracker website, www.bandittrackerchicago.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Additional copies of the flyer below are also available from the Chicago FBI press office at (312) 829-1199.