On March 19, 2023, a bank robbery took place in a fifth-third bank near the loop. The robber had a gun and was actively shooting the bank. One of those bullets hit a 59-year-old security guard during this robbery. So far, the FBI describes the suspect to be African American and stands about 5’7″ foot tall. At the time of the incident, he was wearing gloves, a black jacket, a mask, a red hat blue jeans, and a bag of what is presumed to have money on it. Unfortunately, the robber is still on the loose and has not been detained.
How It Started
The bank robbery took place at around three pm, the suspect shot the Bank which alerted everyone in the building leading to an immediate lockdown. The suspect tried to get into the building but encountered the Bank security guard who he proceeded to shoot at him. Thankfully, the bullet grazed the security guard and he was not severely injured. During this event, the guard instantly pulled out his gun and started to fire at the suspect. Police and witnesses are unsure of whether the bullets hit him. “I texted my mom, and I was like, ‘mom, I think someone just got shot downstairs'” said robbery witness Abby Gasick.
As a result of this crime, the Chicago Police Department shut down the Ogilvie Transportation Center at 500 W. Madison temporarily. While the robber made his escape from the police, he left a trail of money all over the floor. Unfortunately, the trail did not give away his location as he was gone when the money trail ended. There is video footage of the suspect leaving and the trail of money, but unfortunately, his face was covered and the camera is not clear enough to be able to be identified. The amount of money that he stole is still unknown.
Not The First Time
There have been some recent updates from the FBI confirming that this suspect was also involved in a previous bank robbery. He is said to have also robbed a River North Bank a couple of days prior to this robbery. The Fifth Third Bank robbery had coincidentally happened a few hours after the FBI had made a post about the River North Bank robbery. According to the FBI, during the first robbery, he was seen wearing a black hoodie with a black surgical mask, blue surgical gloves, and black pants. Fast forward to Thursday’s robbery, he was seen wearing almost the same thing. A black hooded jacket, a red hat, a white face mask, black winter gloves, blue jeans, and black and white shoes.
How To Help
This bank robbery is still an unsolved crime. it has been about eleven days since this happened and there is still not enough news that can lead the police to get him. However, they are asking for help from the community by giving them anonymous tips by texting the following number: 312-421-6700. People can also send them in through their page tips.fbi.gov.
“We are not able to speak to the details of the incident, but the safety of our employees, customers, and the public is our utmost concern. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities. If I am able to share more as we learn more I will reach out,” stated Fifth Third Bank.
There is currently a $1,000 reward to anyone that can give information leading to the instant arrest of this individual. There is still no one that has come forward with information on this bank robbery. His arrest is prioritized to make sure the citizens of Chicago can safely go to their bank. The police ask for his family members to come forward. If you see or know something, say something. You must do the right thing.
Written by Erika Cano
Sources:
Fox32Chicago: Loop bank robbery: Suspect shoots security guard at Fifth Third Bank in Chicago
NewsBreak: FBI, CPD still searching for Chicago Loop bank robbery suspect who sparked downtown shootout
CWBChicago: Bank robber who fired shots in the Loop also robbed a River North bank branch, FBI says
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Ken Lund Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Chad Davis Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
