Manhunt Underway After Heartland Bank Robbery in Washington

The city of Washington is on high alert after a bank robbery on Thursday afternoon sparked a massive, multi-agency manhunt. Authorities are urgently seeking the public's assistance in locating two persons of interest, one of whom is considered armed, dangerous, and has a significant history of similar crimes.

Heartland Bank Targeted

Officers from the Washington Police Department responded to a reported robbery at the Heartland Bank and Trust, located in the 100 block of South Cummings Lane, at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Fortunately, police confirmed that no bank employees or customers were injured during the incident. Following the robbery, information on two suspects was quickly disseminated to neighboring law enforcement agencies.

High-Speed Chase and Extensive Search

The situation escalated shortly before 9:00 p.m. when Illinois State Police attempted to stop a vehicle driven by one of the persons of interest. The pursuit culminated in a crash on Cruger Road, east of Washington in Woodford County. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into the surrounding area.

A massive perimeter was quickly established with the assistance of Goodfield Police. A coalition of law enforcement, including K-9 units and a drone team, scoured the area extensively until approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday, but the suspect managed to evade capture. The second suspect also remains at large.

Serial Robber Identified as Person of Interest

Authorities have publicly identified one of the primary persons of interest as 50-year-old Willie B. Franklin. He is described as a Black male, standing approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing 220 pounds. Franklin is no stranger to law enforcement; court records show he pleaded guilty in January 2014 to a string of five bank robberies committed in December 2012.

Police issue a stern warning: Willie B. Franklin should be considered armed and dangerous. Under no circumstances should members of the public approach him.

How You Can Help

The investigation is ongoing, with the Washington Police Department receiving support from the FBI, Illinois State Police, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Willie B. Franklin or the second unidentified suspect is urged to contact the authorities immediately:

• Washington Police Department: 309-444-2313
• Crime Stoppers (Anonymous Tips): 309-673-9000