Police: Needle-shaped teeth led to suspect in East St. Louis bank heist
East St. Louis police say a man’s distinct, needle-shaped teeth led to his arrest on charges of robbing Associated Bank.
Chief Michael Hubbard said the suspect, 60-year-old Aaron L. Jackson, has been charged with aggravated robbery and robbery. The bank was robbed Monday morning.
Detective Ronald McClellan said a description of the suspect’s clothing was provided to police by a bank teller, but it was her description of his teeth that led police to the suspect.
“His teeth were described as looking like needles,” McClellan said. “His teeth immediately gave him away.”
His teeth were described as looking like needles. His teeth immediately gave him away.
East St. Louis Detective Ronald McClellan
McClellan said Jackson is originally from Chicago but was living at the veterans shelter on State Street, formerly the old armory. It serves as a homeless shelter, McClellan said.
Jackson was on parole for burglary, according to police. McClellan said the Illinois Department Of Corrections has revoked Jackson’s parole.
A quick police response and the detailed description of the suspect’s teeth enabled police to capture Jackson soon after the robbery, McClellan said.
Jackson was being held Wednesday at the East St. Louis jail. He was expected to be taken to St. Clair County Jail for arraignment on the charges.
A teller from the bank notified police at 10:30 a.m. that she had been robbed. The robber did not display a weapon when he demanded money.
“When the teller dos not immediately give Jackson the money, he reached into his jacket pocket then said, ‘I don't want to kill you,’” McClellan said.
When a description was broadcast over police airwaves, East St. Louis police rushed to the bank. A security guard there provided information on which way the suspect left. The suspect was on foot.
The suspect was located at the Gomper Homes housing complex and was arrested after a brief foot chase, McClellan said.
The money stolen from the bank was recovered from the suspect’s pockets, McClellan said.
Carolyn Smith
This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 2:45 PM with the headline "Police: Needle-shaped teeth led to suspect in East St. Louis bank heist."