A Chicago resident who utilized mace and a fire extinguisher in a suburban bank heist has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison following a guilty plea, court documents reveal.
Emeril England executed the robbery at the Huntington Bank located at 1220 Meadow Road in Northbrook on May 28, 2025. He donned an online-ordered disguise to mask his identity. Prosecutors indicated that England chose this specific branch due to his familiarity with its layout and had identified a discreet parking spot to avoid detection. However, his parking choice aroused suspicion in a Metra employee, who later alerted investigators, leading to England’s apprehension.
According to prosecutors, England entered the bank and attempted to force the tellers away from their cash drawers by spraying mace, although this tactic proved ineffective. One teller, concerned he might be undergoing a mental health crisis, inquired, “Dude, are you okay?”
Failing to achieve his intended outcome, England resorted to using the bank’s fire extinguisher, discharging it at the tellers. As the lobby filled with smoke, the tellers evacuated their stations, leaving one drawer open, court records indicate. England is alleged to have taken approximately $4,915 from the open drawer before fleeing the scene.
After the robbery, a Metra employee observed a man walking near some bushes and getting into a car in a secluded area. This information was later shared with the police. Utilizing license plate reader data, investigators tracked the vehicle and eventually located England at his residence on the 2600 block of West Touhy in Chicago.
Upon arrival at England’s apartment, FBI agents and Northbrook police reported that he admitted to the robbery, directing them to his bedroom for evidence. Investigators discovered a pellet gun, a dreadlocks wig, a security hat, pepper spray, gloves, and a large sum of cash in a bag under the bed. England allegedly told investigators he had left the pellet gun at home during the robbery as he believed some individuals were not intimidated by firearms.
In their request for a 151-month sentence, federal prosecutors highlighted England’s “documented mental health history” and “some cognitive impairments.” However, they contended that he is still capable of orchestrating violent crimes. They further alleged that while in custody for the Northbrook robbery, England made plans for future bank heists.
U.S. District Judge John Kness imposed a 151-month sentence on England, aligning with the low end of the federal sentencing guidelines, as advised by prosecutors.
