Two suspects held in East St. Louis robbery that ended in bank security guard’s shooting death
EAST ST. LOUIS IL Aug 31 2021
The FBI in Springfield said Saturday it has two suspects in custody in connection with the East St. Louis bank robbery that left a security guard dead.
No other details are being released, said Rebecca Cramblit, an FBI public affairs specialist.
A security guard was shot and killed during the bank robbery that happened at the First Bank branch, 350 Riverpark Drive, around 4 p.m. Friday.
St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the guard as Ted T. Horn, 56, of the 1100 block of Sparta Street in St. Libory. Horn was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:50 p.m., Dye said.
Authorities said that while two people are in custody, the investigation continues and asks anyone with information about the case to call Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS. Information submitted to the tips line is anonymous. Tips leading to an arrest could result in a reward of up to $1,000.
“Agents have been working nonstop since the murder occurred,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District Illinois. “Significant progress has been made, but there is still a great deal of work to do. This investigation is far from over.
“We emphasize that we need the public to view the released photos and anyone with information should call Crimestoppers.”
East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern III praised law enforcement for its progress in the investigation and expressed his sympathy to Horn’s family.
“I would like to extend my condolences to the family of the security guard, Ted Horn, who lost his life while he was doing his job, “ the mayor said. “I understand law enforcement may have some suspects they are looking at but I can’t go into detail.”
“ I take my hat off to the East St. Louis Police Department/ Illinois State Police PSEG unit. I am happy for their quick response,” the mayor said. “ I would also like to thank all of the other law enforcement agencies that collaborated on this armed bank robbery in East St. Louis.”
PSEG is the Public Safety Enforcement Group, a partnership between the Illinois State Police and East St. Louis police to alleviate violent crime. It was formed last year.
Also Friday, two men reportedly walked in to the Regions Bank on Camp Jackson Road and handed the teller a note, Cahokia Heights Detective DeMarius Thomas confirmed Saturday.
“They did not get any money. They left,” Thomas said.
Thomas did not know if the suspects in the Cahokia Heights attempted robbery are the same people being held in the East St. Louis robbery.
