Counter-Jumping Bandit Who Stole Nearly $10K From Matteson Bank Nabbed By Local Cops

MATTESON, IL -- A 23-year-old Richton Park man faces federal charges after agents with the FBI say it was he who jumped over the counter of a bank in Matteson to rob it last week. Defendant Cordell Daniels, 23, faces federal charges in connection with the Sept. 1 bank robbery after making an initial appearance in court.

The federal complaint filed against Daniels indicates surveillance footage shows he pulled out a handgun before jumping the teller counter at the First Midwest Bank on Lincoln Highway in Matteson that day. The video also allegedly shows Daniels taking currency and placing it into a plastic trash bag. He also attempted to open multiple teller drawers before leaving the bank in a black Nissan Murano SUV, according to the complaint.

A teller claims the bandit said words to the effect of “put the money in the bag," pulled at his pants and brought out the weapon before jumping the counter. While taking the teller's keys to open the other drawers, he said “I know you have reserves,” the teller told investigators.

Two additional witnesses who were outside of the bank notified a nearby police officer when they saw a black man with a mask over his face running to the SUV with a gun in his hand. A police chase ensued, which included the fleeing driver striking multiple vehicles on Pulaski Road. The complaint states that Daniels eventually fled the SUV and was apprehended after a short foot chase.

"The FBI commends the great investigative response by the Matteson and Olympia Fields police departments," FBI Chicago Spokesperson Garrett H. Croon said. "The professionalism, bravery, and investigation displayed by these two police departments led to the arrest of the bank robbery suspect."

Daniels is accused of taking approximately $9,840 from the bank.

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