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Federal Bureau of Investigation - Seal - Link to FBI Chicago Main Press Page

U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation
In Reply, Please Refer to Release No. 219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604

 

December 4, 2006

PUBLIC'S HELP SOUGHT IN SEARCH FOR DARIEN BANK ROBBER

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Robert Pavelchik, Chief of the Darien, Illinois Police Department are asking for the public's help in identifying the individual depicted in the attached photographs, who is believed responsible for the robbery last week of the TCF Bank branch, located at 7335 South Cass Avenue in Darien.

The robbery took place on Thursday, November 29th just before 9:30 in the morning. According to witnesses, the robber entered the bank, which is located inside a Jewel Food store, and approached a teller. He then placed a black canvas bag on the counter and orally announced a robbery, demanding cash from the teller's drawer. The robber implied that he was armed, although no weapon was displayed and no injuries were reported. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber fled the bank in a vehicle that was not observed. A small amount of dye stained money and an activated security device was recovered in the parking lot.


This individual is described by witnesses as an Asian/male, 20-25 years of age, 5'5" - 5'6" tall, medium build, with brown eyes and black hair. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a gray fleece sweatshirt with zippered front and dark pants.

In appealing to the public for help, Mr. Grant noted that 2006 is once again a record year for bank robberies in the five county metropolitan Chicago area, with 274 having been reported thus far. This number surpassed the previous record of 240 that was set in 2005. "Citizen involvement has always been an essential element of effective law enforcement, which is even more important today, given our limited resources and increased responsibilities" said Grant.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by TCF Bank for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this robbery.

This robbery is being investigated jointly by the Chicago FBI's Lisle office and the Darien Police Department. Anyone recognizing this individual or having any information about this robbery is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.

EDITOR's NOTE: Additional copies of the attached photos are available from the Chicago FBI Press Office, either by e-mail or courier, at (312) 829-1199.