Bank robber exchanges gunfire with security guard in downtown Chicago

Update 5 p.m.: We have secured video of the robber collecting cash from the ground outside the bank and leaving the scene. Watch it here.

Update 5:30 p.m.: The FBI has released this surveillance image of the robber. According to the agency’s bulletin, the suspect is a Black male who stands 5’7″ tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, a mask, winter gloves, and blue jeans. Contrary to a Chicago police media statement, the FBI bulletin said no injuries were reported.

The FBI released this surveillance image of the bank robber. | FBI

Chicago — Shots were fired during a bank robbery in the Loop on Thursday afternoon, but no serious injuries were reported. The offender remains at large.

Chicago police responded to shots fired and a bank robbery in progress at Fifth Third Bank, 1 South Wacker, just after 3 p.m., according to CPD radio transmissions. Witnesses reported seeing cash flying in the street and bullet damage to the bank’s exterior.

Chicago police at the scene of a bank robbery shoot-out at Fifth Third Bank, 1 South Wacker, on March 9, 2023. | Provided

Officers at the scene said the bank robber fired shots, and a bank security guard returned fire. According to a sergeant who spoke with an EMS crew at the scene, the guard may have received minor injuries to his hand from broken glass. CPD initially issued a press statement that said the guard suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, but the department now says he suffered a graze wound to his hand.

Chicago police surveillance camera operators who reviewed footage described the suspect as a Black male wearing a black coat, red hat, blue jeans, and carrying a bag.

Earlier Thursday, the FBI offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man who robbed a River North bank at gunpoint last week. It is unclear if the robberies are related.

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