A suspect wanted for robbing a bank in Waukegan while implying he had a gun this week is also believed to have committed a second robbery, which failed, at a currency exchange in Waukegan.
The Waukegan Police Department and the FBI responded just after 4 p.m. Monday to the Great Lakes Credit Union, 3290 North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.
Officers received a report of a panic alarm activated from the bank.
The bank had locked its doors and closed its drive-thru before officers arrived.
Officers confirmed the bank had been robbed and the suspect had already fled the scene.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office confirmed they responded to the bank to begin investigating.
A spokesperson for the FBI said the suspect is described as a male black, approximately 20-40 years old, 5-foot-6 and approximately 170 pounds.
The suspect displayed a demand note to the teller and implied he had a handgun.
He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt with the word “Alabama” on the front, a dark blue or purple t-shirt under the sweatshirt and faded and torn dark-colored jeans.
The suspect was wearing navy blue and white Jordan shoes with the number “23” on the back heel, the FBI said.
He is described as having a beard and mustache along with a receding hairline.
No injuries were reported during the robbery and the suspect fled on foot. He is currently at large and not in custody.
Authorities did not say how much money was taken in the bank robbery.
A police report said officers responded six hours earlier — around 10 a.m. — to an attempted robbery that occurred at Plaza Currency Exchange, 1315 North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.
A male suspect, who had the same description as the bank robber, handed a note to the clerk and demanded money.
The suspect indicated he had a gun but the clerk refused to give him any money. The offender fled the scene.
The report said the suspect is believed to be the same as the bank robbery suspect.
The FBI said they are asking the public for help in identifying the suspect. Surveillance images were released Tuesday of the man.
Those who wish to provide information can do so anonymously by calling 312-421-6700 or visiting tips.fbi.gov.