Elephant Figurine Used As Fake Bomb In Credit Union Robbery
By CU Today Staff —
BELOIT, Wis.—An elephant figurine, a fake bomb threat and a handful of lollipops figured into an unusual credit union robbery that ended with a suspect in custody a short time later, according to the GazetteXtra.
Deon Apondence Crawford, 58, of Janesville, allegedly entered Advia Credit Union at 746 Fourth St. around 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17, placed the elephant figurine on the counter and told employees it was a bomb while demanding money, according to a criminal complaint cited by the GazetteXtra. Employees handed over $2,000, and Crawford allegedly grabbed several lollipops on his way out, leaving the figurine behind.
The Winnebago County, Ill., Sheriff’s Office bomb squad responded and determined the elephant was harmless. Beloit police circulated surveillance images, and several officers reportedly recognized Crawford. He was arrested a short time later while walking in the 700 block of Kenwood Avenue with several lollipops and $600 in cash in his possession, according to the complaint.
He told police that he was schizophrenic, bipolar and manic depressive but hadn’t taken medication for these conditions for months.
Crawford faces felony robbery of a financial institution and misdemeanor bail jumping charges, with potential repeat-offender enhancements. Rock County Court Commissioner Jack Hoag on Monday set a $10,000 cash bond and scheduled Crawford’s next court appearance for Oct. 6. If convicted of the robbery charge, Crawford could face up to 42 years in prison, the GazetteXtra reported.
Originally reported by CU Today.