Man Indicted In Winnetka, Skokie Armed Bank Robberies

A Chicago man was indicted for two counts of aggravated bank robbery last week in connection with two armed "take-over" robberies in Winnetka and Skokie in June.

Carlos Stillwell, 42, has been in custody since shortly after the robberies on an unrelated charge. Police charged Stillwell in connection to the Winnetka robbery in February. Following an investigation and forensic analysis by the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory in Vernon Hills, Stillwell was also connected to the Skokie robbery.

The Winnetka and Skokie police departments worked with the FBI in the investigation, said Patrick Kreis, interim chief of Winnetka police.

"I'm particularly pleased in this case because of the cooperation between the agencies that worked to see that this suspect was arrested quickly," Kreis said.

On June 14, a man entered with a gun and threatened employees and patrons, according to an FBI news release. A similar incident occurred June 2 at Brickyard Bank in Skokie. In both instances, employees and customers were allegedly beaten by the man, the news release says.

If convicted of the charges, Stillwell could face up to 25 years for each count. Aggravated bank robbery is a felony offense.

Kreis announced the charges along with Barry P. Silverberg, Skokie police chief, and Robert D. Grant, of the FBI's Chicago office.

“Once again, the blending of local police experience and the resources of the FBI have proven to be a successful combination, which led to the identification and arrest of a suspected serial robber,” Grant said in a press release.