Saturday, October 4, 2025

Chicago Area Man Accused of Stealing $4,900 from Bank and Assaulting Tellers with Pepper Spray

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Introduction to the Incident

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – A suburban man was arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a Northbrook bank after spraying tellers with pepper spray and a fire extinguisher last month.

Details of the Bank Robbery

The bank robbery happened on May 28 at a Huntington Bank in the 1200 block of Meadow Road, according to federal court documents. Around 9:30 a.m., Northbrook police responded to the bank for an armed robbery. A bank teller told police they saw an unknown person enter the bank with a "water gun" and a black bag. The suspect had long black dreadlocks, and wore dark clothing.

The Robbery Unfolds

The suspect allegedly sprayed the two tellers inside the bank with a liquid, later determined to be pepper spray, according to court documents. One of the tellers asked the suspect, "Dude, are you okay?" but he never answered. The suspect then allegedly took a fire extinguisher from the black bag he was carrying and began spraying the tellers.

A suburban man was arrested for allegedly taking thousands of dollars from a Northbrook bank after spraying tellers with pepper spray and a fire extinguisher last month. (FBI)

Aftermath of the Robbery

One of the tellers ran into the nearest office and locked the door. They heard the suspect "shuffling" near the teller stations but could not see his movement. The other teller told investigators that after the suspect left the bank, they found their drawer was unlocked and all the money had been taken except for two-dollar bills and coins. In total, prosecutors said $4,915 was taken from the bank. Bank security cameras captured the scene of the suspect in a dark hoodie and pants spraying the two tellers with pepper spray and the fire extinguisher.

A suburban man was arrested for allegedly taking thousands of dollars from a Northbrook bank after spraying tellers with pepper spray and a fire extinguisher last month. (FBI)

Search for the Suspect

Investigators searched a nearby train depot and were told by Metra staff they had observed a Black male wearing clothing matching the suspect’s description walking along the bush line near the train tracks. He was heading toward a silver, older model sedan with visible exterior damage. The Metra train’s surveillance camera captured a photo of the suspect’s car near the tracks. The car was spotted nearly half a mile north of Huntington Bank.

The Metra train’s surveillance camera captured a photo of the suspect car near the tracks. The car was spotted nearly half a mile north of the Huntington Bank. (FBI)

Identification and Arrest of the Suspect

Police used a license plate reader to identify a car that closely matched the description of the suspect’s. Using a police database, officers learned the car belonged to Emeril England, of Highland Park. They found the car, a Toyota Avalon, parked near a home in the 2500 block of West Touhy Avenue in Chicago around 11:10 a.m. Northbrook police and the FBI searched the home and found England, who told officers the items they were looking for were under the bed, according to the court documents. Officers found a plastic bag containing a pellet gun, a dreadlock wig, a black hat with the words "SECURITY" on the front, a can of pepper spray, a hooded sweatshirt matching the appearance of the suspected robber, sunglasses, and a large amount of cash. England was arrested.

Confession and Charges

During questioning by investigators, England allegedly admitted to planning the robbery and ordering the wig from an online seller about a week before, court documents state. He also admitted to using the pepper spray and the fire extinguisher, which he saw while walking to a restroom in the bank, and decided to use it when he didn’t get the reaction he wanted with the pepper spray. England also admitted to taking the money from the unlocked drawer and fleeing the bank.

What Remains Unclear

It was unclear if England would be kept in police custody as he awaits trial.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the brazen nature of some crimes and the importance of swift action by law enforcement in apprehending suspects. The use of pepper spray and a fire extinguisher in this robbery adds a layer of complexity, indicating a level of premeditation and willingness to use harmful substances to achieve the perpetrator’s goals.

FAQs

  • Q: What was the date of the bank robbery?
    • A: The bank robbery occurred on May 28.
  • Q: How much money was stolen from the bank?
    • A: $4,915 was taken from the bank.
  • Q: What items were found in the suspect’s possession?
    • A: A pellet gun, a dreadlock wig, a black hat with the words "SECURITY" on the front, a can of pepper spray, a hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, and a large amount of cash.
  • Q: Who was arrested in connection with the robbery?
    • A: Emeril England, of Highland Park, was arrested.
  • Q: What was the outcome of England’s questioning by investigators?
    • A: England allegedly admitted to planning the robbery, using the pepper spray and fire extinguisher, and taking the money from the bank.
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