Crime & Safety

Man Robs Lombard Bank With Fireworks, Threatening Note: FBI

Jason Bradley, of Villa Park, handed the teller a note that said "I need everything from your drawer or WE ALL DIE!!!" the FBI said.

Jason Bradley walked right to his car in a nearby parking lot after the robbery, which allowed authorities to track his license plate number, according to the FBI.
Jason Bradley walked right to his car in a nearby parking lot after the robbery, which allowed authorities to track his license plate number, according to the FBI. (Chicago FBI)

LOMBARD, IL — Jason Bradley made it about five hours after robbing a Lombard bank with fireworks duct-taped to his chest before FBI agents arrested him outside his Villa Park home, authorities said.

According to a criminal complaint, Bradley walked into the West Suburban Bank at 707 North Main Street Monday afternoon and handed the teller a note that read, "I need everything from your drawer or WE ALL DIE!!!"

Witnesses told the FBI that Bradley then unzipped his sweatshirt to reveal fireworks taped to his chest with black wires sticking out in an apparent attempt to resemble a bomb.

Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The teller handed Bradley $800 in marked bills, and the man walked straight out of the bank to his silver Chevy Cruze in a neighboring parking lot, according to the FBI. Federal agents were able to track down the Villa Park native via his license plate.

Bradley did not wear gloves during the robbery and only had a surgical mask hiding his face, authorities said.

Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

According to the FBI, Bradley texted his wife a picture of him holding a stack of cash on his way home, asking her, "Nobody has been looking for me?" and "Nothing? Wtf?"

Court documents

After Bradley returned home and stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, he was arrested by FBI agents, who had been watching his home for hours.

Authorities found $747 on the man, and a search of his house turned up duct tape, the notepad he used to write the threatening note to the teller, and a bag of fireworks labeled "Shoots flaming balls," according to the FBI.

Authorities said they found Bradley's home address only about 45 minutes after the 1:15 p.m. robbery and arrested him by 6:40 p.m.

He was charged with bank robbery.

Bradley's wife gave the FBI permission to search the home and also forwarded the text messages from Bradley, the bureau told reporters.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.