Suspect in Custody in Robbery at First Mid Bank and Trust in Effingham This Morning

A suspect is in custody in connection with a robbery at First Mid Bank and Trust in Effingham Friday morning.

Authorities were notified of the incident at 10:09am. Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland said bank officials reported a man entered the bank wearing a hoodie and face mask. The man asked for cash and inferred that he had a weapon, although no weapon was displayed.

The man fled the bank with an undetermined amount of cash. McFarland said within a short time of the incident, phone calls from citizens tipped authorities as to the suspect's whereabouts. He was taken into custody by Vigo County, Indiana authorities and awaits extradition to Illinois. McFarland said the name of the suspect should be available by Monday morning.

No one was injured in the incident.

Chief Jason McFarland praised the efforts of local citizens who provided timely updates to Law Enforcement. “We are very thankful for the assistance from our community – multiple people called to give information, and that helped tremendously to narrow down direction of travel and allow Law Enforcement to safely take this subject into custody in such a short amount of time. This just highlights how important it is to have a good partnership between Law Enforcement and the citizens we serve. Remember ‘If You See It, Say It!’”

Chief McFarland also expressed gratitude for mutual assistance, stating, “We appreciate all the area Law Enforcement Agencies who immediately converged upon the scene and proceeded to assist in our search – special thanks to Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Secretary of State Police and the FBI for all the aid.”