Shorewood Bank Robber Comes From Plainfield: Police

SHOREWOOD, IL — The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges of robbery and robbery of a financial institution against 52-year-old Plainfield resident James Houge in connection with Tuesday morning's bank robbery on Route 59 in Shorewood.

Shorewood Police Chief Phil Arnold issued a news release Wednesday offering more details regarding Tuesday's crime at the Shorewood Bank and Trust on Route 59 near Black Road.

"The arrest came just 25 hours after the robbery itself, a testament to the hard work conducted by police after the incident," Arnold announced.

Houge was arrested after an alert off-duty Joliet officer saw him dining at the McDonald’s on Route 59 in Joliet, the one closer to Caton Farm Road.

"The officer recognized Houge from a flyer sent out by Shorewood detectives," Arnold noted. "The officer contacted JPD and remained on the scene until Joliet and Shorewood officers took Houge into custody a short time later."

The suspect had an electric bicycle, clothing, and a backpack that match those seen on video captured on various cameras surrounding the area of the bank, Arnold indicated.

Shorewood Police Detectives and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force Department gathered additional information during their investigation and obtained a search warrant for Houge’s residence.

For now, Houge remains in the Will County Jail where he will be held pending a federal indictment, Shorewood's police chief stated.