Chicago Man charged with attempt Robbery/Burglary at Downers Grove Bank

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Shannon Gillette announced today that bond has been set at $100,000 with 10% to apply for a Chicago man for allegedly attempting to rob the West Suburban Bank in the 5300 block of Main Street in Downers Grove. Simeon Harris, 35 (d.o.b. 7/19/1984) of 2631 S. Indiana Avenue, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge George Bakalis set bond. Harris has been charged with one count of Attempt Robbery (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony.) Harris is currently on probation for a federal bank robbery.

It is alleged that at approximately 5:39 p.m., December 2, 2019, Harris entered the bank and passed a note to the teller that stated “This is a robbery. No silent alarms, No die packs or trace money. Empty drawer.” It is alleged that when the teller at the bank told Harris she was unable to open the drawer and provide any money to him, Harris grabbed his note back and walked out the entrance to the bank. Officers located Harris outside the bank and after a brief foot chase he was apprehended.

“According to the United States Department of Justice, our nation suffered more than three thousand bank robberies in 2018, one hundred eight of which were in Illinois,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, Mr. Harris’ alleged attempt to rob the West Suburban Bank was unsuccessful and no one was injured. I would like to thank the officers from the Downers Grove Police Department for their quick response and apprehension of the suspect in this case. I would like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Willis for his efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Harris.”

Harris’ next court appearance is scheduled for December 20, 2019, for status in front of Judge Bakalis.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.