FBI: Suspects caught during chase after robbing Joliet bank

(JOLIET) Two men who robbed a bank in southwest suburban Joliet on Tuesday were caught after a police chase and now face federal charges, according to the FBI.

Joshua R. Gemmell, 26, of Joliet, and Vernell Butler, 40, of Chicago, were each charged Wednesday with one felony count of bank robbery, according to a statement from the FBI.

The robbery happened about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday when one suspect entered the Merchants and Manufacturers Bank branch at 990 Essington Rd. in Joliet, walked up to the counter and had three tellers put cash in a black plastic bag, according to the federal criminal complaint.

After receiving about $13,000 in cash, the robber left the bank and got into a white car waiting in the parking lot, according to the complaint.

Joliet police officers saw a vehicle matching the description of the car and chased it, according to the complaint. The driver and passenger eventually got out and tried to run away but were caught and taken into custody.

A pellet gun was found during a search of the vehicle, according to the complaint, and both men admitted to participating in the robbery.

Gemmell and Butler appeared in federal court in Chicago on Wednesday morning and were ordered held pending their next court appearances, scheduled for Friday.