Robber Leaves Baby At Home During Bank Heist: Police

MCHENRY, IL — A bank robber who held up Huntington Bank in McHenry Monday left his 9-month-old baby at home during the heist, authorities said.

Peter A. Sova, 36, is expected to make an initial court appearance in McHenry County Circuit Court following his arrest Monday on charges of aggravated battery, theft and child abandonment, according to a news release from the McHenry Police Department.

Sova is currently behind bars awaiting his Tuesday afternoon hearing, where a judge will decide whether he qualifies for pre-trial release. Meanwhile, his child was initially taken into protective custody and has since been released to the custody of his mother, authorities said.

Sova, of the 800 block of Ross Lane in McHenry, is accused of entering Huntington Bank, 5555 W. Bull Valley Road, at about 10:45 a.m. Monday. At that time, he passed a note to the teller and demanded money, police said. The teller believed he had a gun.

The teller handed over the money, and Sova fled the bank, according to authorities.

Police found Sova a short time later in a field on the property of The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 West Bull Valley Road, and took him into custody.

While investigating the bank robbery, officers learned Sova left his 9-month-old child home
alone. Officers responded to Sova’s home to check on the baby and took him into protective custody, authorities said.

Police notified the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the child was released to the custody of his mother.

Sova's initial court appearance is set for 1:15 p.m. Monday.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.