CHICAGO — In a bizarre and dangerous robbery that unfolded last week, a Chicago man is accused of using pepper spray and a fire extinguisher to force tellers away from their stations during a bank heist in suburban Northbrook. The suspect made off with nearly $5,000 in cash before being tracked down using surveillance data and arrested by federal agents.
Suspect Used Unconventional Methods To Disorient Tellers
According to a federal affidavit, the robbery occurred around 9:30 a.m. on May 28 at Huntington Bank, located at 1220 Meadow Road in Northbrook.
The suspect, later identified as Emeril England, entered the bank and sprayed tellers with pepper spray using a water pistol, prompting confusion among employees. When that didn’t cause the panic he had expected, England reportedly discharged a fire extinguisher directly at the bank staff, forcing them to retreat and lock themselves in a secure room.
Once the coast was clear, England accessed a cash drawer and stole $4,915 before fleeing the scene. A second cash drawer appeared untouched, according to officials.
Investigation Traced Car, Led to Arrest in Chicago
The Northbrook Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, quickly identified a suspect vehicle through license plate reader (LPR) technology. The vehicle was registered to England at a Highland Park address but later tracked to his Chicago apartment in the 2600 block of West Touhy.
When authorities arrived at his home, England allegedly told them, “The stuff you’re looking for is under the bed.”
A search of the apartment revealed:
- A pellet gun
- A dreadlocks wig
- A security hat
- Pepper spray and gloves
- A bag containing a large amount of cash
England reportedly admitted to the robbery. He told investigators he chose not to bring the pellet gun to the bank because he believed “some people are not intimidated by a gun.”
Tellers Believed Man Might Be Mentally Ill
In a telling moment during the robbery, one bank teller reportedly asked, “Dude, are you okay?” — believing the suspect might be experiencing a mental health crisis. That assumption quickly shifted after the fire extinguisher was used to escalate the threat.
The boldness and peculiar nature of the robbery have drawn attention due to the lack of traditional weapons and the reliance on household tools for intimidation.
Charges And Legal Proceedings Ahead
Federal prosecutors have charged England with bank robbery and are expected to pursue additional charges related to weapons and attempted intimidation. He remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but both bank employees were said to be shaken by the events and have since resumed duties under added security protocols.
Community Concerns Grow
Residents in Northbrook and nearby areas have expressed concern over the robbery, especially given the daylight timing and the use of chemical irritants. Law enforcement officials noted that the use of pepper spray in such contexts poses serious health risks and adds an additional layer of assault to the charges.
This case also underscores the importance of surveillance technology and license plate tracking tools in solving modern crimes. Without the coordinated efforts between local and federal authorities, identifying the suspect could have been delayed significantly.
Have you seen an increase in unusual or unconventional robbery attempts in your neighborhood? Do you believe banks should implement stronger interior defenses against non-traditional threats? Share your thoughts in the comments.
