WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — More details were released regarding a late Thursday afternoon bank robbery in Washington.
Washington’s Police Chief Jeff Stevens issued a news release giving more details and the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office released an image and the name of one of the alleged bank robbers.
Willie B. Franklin, 50, is believed to be one of the men involved in the robbery, said Washington Police Chief Jeff Stevens.
“Shortly before 9 p.m., Illinois State Police attempted to stop one of those individuals, resulting in a pursuit that ended in a crash on Cruger Road in Woodford County, east of Washington. Officers from multiple agencies, including a canine unit and a remotely piloted aircraft team, conducted a search for the driver,” the police chief said.
“The Washington Police Department is seeking Willie B. Franklin, 50, who is described as a Black male approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing about 220 pounds,” he said.
Officials consider him dangerous and urge residents not to approach him but rather to call 911 to report where he is.
At approximately 4 p.m., June 4, officers were called to Heartland Bank and Trust, located at 100 S. Cummings Lane, to a report of a robbery, the chief said.
When officers arrived, they interviewed witnesses and got relevant security video, he said.
A second suspect is still “at large,” and no further information was made available.
“The immediate response and coordination among agencies, along with assistance from
community witnesses, allowed investigators to quickly develop and corroborate key information,” Stevens said. “Heartland Bank employees followed established protocols and remained calm, which significantly contributed to a safe outcome.”
It was not made clear what happened inside the bank during the robbery and if any money was taken.
WMBD TV was first to report this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
