“Jesse Walters, Elijah Thompson, and Deandre Simmons Among Victims of Bold Armed Robbery at U.S. Bank Branch on Western Avenue in Blue Island: Three Armed Robbers Steal Cash from Loomis Armored Vehicle, FBI and Police Launch Multi-Agency Investigation to Capture Suspects”
BLUE ISLAND, IL – A daring and meticulously executed robbery at the U.S. Bank branch located on Western Avenue in Blue Island, Illinois, has left three Loomis Armored Services employees as victims of a violent theft. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025, has triggered a widespread investigation involving both local law enforcement and the FBI. The theft took place when three male assailants ambushed an armored truck carrying cash, in what appears to be a premeditated crime.
At approximately 4:25 p.m. on Friday, the Loomis Armored Services truck arrived at the U.S. Bank branch, located at a busy intersection in Blue Island. Jesse Walters, Elijah Thompson, and Deandre Simmons, all Loomis employees, were in the process of unloading cash and securing the premises when three armed suspects approached the vehicle. In a well-rehearsed operation, the suspects quickly overpowered the security team, threatening them with firearms and forcing them to the ground.
The attackers, equipped with masks and dark clothing, had carefully planned the robbery. According to preliminary reports, the offenders were aware of the timing and security measures surrounding the delivery, which led authorities to suspect that the crime was not a random act but a targeted heist.
Jesse Walters, who had been employed as a driver for Loomis Armored Services for over five years, was the first to be confronted by the assailants as he exited the truck. Walters, a seasoned professional, immediately understood the gravity of the situation, and his quick thinking and calm demeanor played a crucial role in minimizing harm. Elijah Thompson, an armed guard with the company, was also present at the scene. Thompson, known for his vigilance, quickly attempted to take defensive measures but was immediately outgunned by the robbers, who were armed with semi-automatic pistols. Deandre Simmons, the third victim in this terrifying incident, had been unloading cash into the bank’s vault at the time of the attack. Simmons, who had been employed with Loomis for nearly three years, was forced to surrender the money, fearing for his life.
The perpetrators, whose identities remain unknown, were able to steal a significant sum of cash during the heist. Witnesses reported that the offenders appeared organized and calm as they quickly loaded the stolen cash into a nearby getaway vehicle, a black SUV. Authorities believe the robbers had been monitoring the armored vehicle for some time, and their knowledge of the bank’s operations likely gave them the advantage they needed to execute the robbery with precision.
After the robbery was completed, the suspects fled the scene in the black SUV, heading towards an undisclosed location. In the aftermath, Walters, Thompson, and Simmons were left shaken but unharmed, though the emotional toll of the robbery would be felt for days to come.
Investigation Underway: Joint Effort Between FBI and Local Police
Following the successful execution of the robbery, local authorities were alerted immediately. Blue Island Police, along with investigators from the FBI, arrived at the scene shortly after the crime was reported. The investigation has quickly expanded into a multi-agency effort, with agents working around the clock to track down the perpetrators. Several leads have emerged, but the suspects remain at large.
Law enforcement officials are analyzing security footage from both the U.S. Bank branch and surrounding businesses to identify any potential clues. The security cameras captured several moments of the robbery, though the faces of the suspects were obscured by masks. Despite this, investigators are optimistic that other evidence, such as fingerprints or traces of DNA left behind by the robbers, may help identify them.
“We are actively collaborating with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for this crime are apprehended swiftly,” said Blue Island Police Chief Sandra Mitchell. “We are committed to bringing justice to the victims and ensuring the safety of our community.”
In addition to the physical evidence being gathered, authorities are also following up on reports from witnesses who saw the suspects flee the scene. Several individuals reported seeing a black SUV speed away from the area, but as of now, no license plate numbers have been confirmed.
Robbery Scheme: How the Crime Unfolded
The robbery at the U.S. Bank on Western Avenue was far from a random occurrence. The criminals behind this heist had planned the crime with remarkable precision. According to investigators, the suspects had spent considerable time studying the security procedures of Loomis Armored Services and the U.S. Bank branch itself. This knowledge allowed them to choose the perfect time to strike.
The U.S. Bank branch on Western Avenue is located in a busy area, but it is also relatively isolated, surrounded by a mix of small businesses and residential homes. This setting allowed the offenders to execute the robbery with a degree of stealth. The bank itself is equipped with surveillance cameras and a security alarm system, but the robbers appeared to have anticipated these measures. They were quick and efficient, and the robbery was over in a matter of minutes.
The thieves did not leave behind any obvious signs of struggle, which is indicative of their preparation and professionalism. Although the armored truck was carrying a significant amount of cash, it appears that the robbers’ main objective was to get in and out without drawing attention. To achieve this, they likely relied on the element of surprise and their ability to overpower the armored truck crew.
The Impact on the Victims
For Jesse Walters, Elijah Thompson, and Deandre Simmons, the robbery was a traumatic experience that has left lasting emotional scars. While all three men were physically unharmed during the incident, the psychological effects of such a high-stress situation cannot be understated.
Jesse Walters, who has been employed with Loomis Armored Services for over five years, said that the experience left him shaken but determined to continue his work. “I’ve been doing this job for a long time, and I’ve never had anything like this happen,” Walters explained in a statement. “I just want to focus on getting through this and making sure the people responsible are caught.”
Elijah Thompson, who has been with the company for seven years, echoed Walters’ sentiments, expressing both relief and a sense of justice. “It was a scary moment, but I’m just glad no one was seriously hurt,” Thompson said. “We’re just doing our jobs, and for this to happen…it’s just something we don’t expect. I just hope they find the people who did this.”
Deandre Simmons, who has worked with Loomis for three years, said that the experience made him reconsider his future in the industry. “It’s not something you ever think will happen to you. I never thought I’d be in that situation, but now I can’t stop thinking about it,” Simmons shared. “I’ll be okay, but it’s going to take some time to get back to normal.”
While the physical trauma was minimal, the emotional toll has been significant for the victims. The three men are being provided with support and counseling services through Loomis Armored Services as they navigate the aftermath of the robbery.
The Role of the FBI and Law Enforcement
The FBI has taken a central role in the investigation, particularly given the organized nature of the crime and the scale of the theft. Agents have been working tirelessly, analyzing every piece of evidence and pursuing every lead. In a statement released by the FBI, Special Agent in Charge Mark Turner said, “This robbery was a well-planned and deliberate act. We are using all of our resources to track down the individuals responsible. We are confident that they will be caught, and we will ensure that they face the full weight of the law.”
Law enforcement officials are also urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects. They are particularly interested in any tips or leads related to the black SUV seen fleeing the scene. The vehicle, which is believed to be a newer model, may hold critical clues that could lead to the identification of the robbers.
Community Reactions and Support
In the wake of the robbery, the Blue Island community has come together to support the victims. Residents have expressed shock and disbelief at the audacity of the crime, particularly given the peaceful nature of the neighborhood. Local businesses have also expressed their solidarity with U.S. Bank and Loomis Armored Services, offering support to both the victims and the employees affected by the heist.
“We’ve always felt safe here in Blue Island, and for something like this to happen…it’s unsettling,” said local shop owner Maria Gonzalez. “We just want to see those responsible caught and brought to justice.”
The robbery has raised concerns about the safety of armored vehicles in the area, prompting discussions among local businesses, law enforcement, and the armored service providers about the need for additional security measures. The robbery has also sparked conversations about the effectiveness of bank security systems and the risks associated with transporting large sums of cash.
The Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the investigation into the robbery is ongoing, with no arrests made. However, authorities are optimistic that they will make an arrest soon. The FBI is working with local law enforcement to ensure that all leads are pursued and that the suspects are apprehended before they can strike again.
“We’re doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice,” said Police Chief Sandra Mitchell. “This was a brazen and violent crime, and we won’t rest until we’ve caught the individuals responsible.”
Conclusion
The robbery at the U.S. Bank branch on Western Avenue in Blue Island serves as a chilling reminder of the risks faced by armored vehicle crews and the dangers of organized criminal activity. The brave actions of Jesse Walters, Elijah Thompson, and Deandre Simmons in the face of such a dangerous situation are commendable, and it is clear that the emotional toll of this crime will linger long after the physical wounds have healed. The multi-agency investigation is still in its early stages, but authorities remain hopeful that the perpetrators will soon be caught and brought to justice.
As the community and the victims await answers, one thing is clear: the pursuit of justice in this case is far from over. The criminals responsible for this heist will be held accountable, and the residents of Blue Island will not allow such an incident to go unanswered.
