Updated at 10:40 a.m.
WASHINGTON, Ill. – A suspect wanted for a bank robbery in Washington Thursday afternoon is on the run.
Washington Police Chief Jeff Stevens says local, state and federal officers are still looking for 50-year-old Willie B. Franklin, one of two men who allegedly held up the Heartland Bank on S. Cummings Lane around 4 p.m.
Franklin, described as a black man, 6 foot-3 and about 220 pounds, should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, call 911 immediately.
A pursuit with Illinois State Police Thursday night ended in Franklin’s vehicle crashing just west of Eureka.
Chief Stevens says the second suspect has not been found. No injuries were reported inside the bank.
Stevens credits both responding agencies and bank staff for their actions. “The immediate response and coordination among agencies, along with assistance from community witnesses, allowed investigators to quickly develop and corroborate key information,” Stevens says. “Heartland Bank employees followed established protocols and remained calm, which significantly contributed to a safe outcome.”
Washington Police were assisted by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington Police at (309) 444-2313, or Greater Peoria Area CrimeStoppers at (309) 673-9000.
WOODFORD COUNTY, Ill. – A manhunt continues for a suspect tied to a bank robbery in Washington Thursday afternoon.
The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office says if you are driving near Eureka, or anywhere in Woodford County, be on the lookout for Willie B. Franklin.
Franklin is one of two suspects in a bank robbery at Heartland Bank near S. Cummings Lane and Washington Road in Washington.
Officers attempted a traffic stop which ended in a crash just west of Eureka.
Franklin jumped out of the vehicle and took off running. He is still on the run, and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Local, state, and federal agencies spent hours combing the woods looking for Franklin. If you spot Franklin, call 911 immediately and do not approach him.
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