8 Years Later, Retired Police Chiefs' Actions Help Nab Accused Bank Robber

Editor's Note: Patch was told that the suspect had pleaded guilty on July 1. Court documents show a trial to start July 14.

MANHATTAN, IL — Nearly eight years after a bold armed robbery at the U.S. Bank in Wilmington, two seasoned law enforcement leaders have been recognized for their critical role in helping secure a federal conviction.

On the morning of November 18, 2017, two armed suspects—one disguised as a security guard—robbed the U.S. Bank in Wilmington before fleeing northbound on I-55, and eventually eastbound on U.S. Route 6 in a silver Ford Mustang, according to a release.

With officers in pursuit, former Channahon Police Chief Jeff Wold responded after hearing the developing situation on his police radio. Leveraging his familiarity with the area, Wold diverted to Youngs Road, where he discovered articles of clothing—including a security uniform—that matched the suspects' disguises.

Wold, a former detective, immediately flagged the suspicious items and coordinated with responding officers, including then-Wilmington Police Chief Philip Arnold. Together, Wold and Arnold secured the evidence and turned it over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The suspects were not found that day, but key forensic evidence from the discarded clothing was preserved for further investigation.

In April 2025, Wold—Manhattan's former police chief and current village administrator—was contacted by an FBI agent. He was informed that the evidence he and Arnold recovered in 2017 had become a cornerstone in the federal case United States v. Derrell Johnson.

Johnson, who was linked directly to the robbery through the recovered items, is anticipated to plead guilty ahead of the start of trial.

“Back then, we joked it would be something if the ‘two old chiefs’ ended up cracking the case,” said Arnold, who now serves as Police Chief in Shorewood. “Turns out, the joke was on us—in the best way possible.”

Johnson would face a minimum of five years in federal prison.