CHICAGO — A man accused of robbing a bank in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood allegedly used the proceeds to pay for his taxi ride and buy drugs before being arrested at a nearby motel, according to a newly filed federal complaint.
The robbery occurred around 11 a.m. on May 29 at the Fifth Third Bank located at 3601 North Broadway, where a man reportedly stepped out of a white cab, walked inside, and delivered a chilling statement to the teller:
“I’m here to rob you. I have a gun. I’ll shoot. I want everything.”
The bank employee handed over approximately $420 in cash, after which the suspect exited and got back into the same cab he arrived in — a key detail that would ultimately lead law enforcement to his location.
Surveillance Footage Leads To Quick Arrest
The robbery was captured by security cameras inside the bank, and investigators acted swiftly. Detectives spoke to the cab company, who helped identify the driver and confirmed the passenger’s drop-off point — a motel near 76th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue.
Upon arriving, federal agents reviewed the motel’s surveillance video, identifying the man entering Room 108. When they knocked on the door, they found Theodore Nelson, who matched the appearance and clothing of the robbery suspect captured on bank surveillance.
Suspect Allegedly Confessed — And Apologized
According to the federal criminal complaint, Nelson admitted to the robbery during questioning. He claimed he told the teller he was sorry, citing homelessness as the reason behind the act.
Nelson allegedly told investigators that he used the stolen money to:
- Pay for his cab fare
- Purchase drugs
- Cover the cost of a motel room rented on behalf of a drug dealer
He was taken into custody without incident.
What Happens Next?
Federal charges have been filed against Nelson, though no court date has been publicly announced as of this writing. Authorities have not disclosed whether any firearm was recovered, or if the weapon mentioned during the robbery was real or implied.
The incident adds to ongoing public safety concerns in neighborhoods like Lakeview, where occasional violent or brazen crimes — even daytime bank robberies — remain alarming to residents and business owners.
Do you live or work near the Broadway and Addison area in Lakeview? Have you noticed increased safety concerns? Share your experience or thoughts with us in the comments.
