Algonquin Bank Robber Stopped By Firefighters

ALGONQUIN, IL — A Randall Road TCF Bank branch was robbed Saturday afternoon in Algonquin by a man suspected in a string of similar crimes, but local firefighters collecting Salvation Army donations outside helped detain the man for police. A husband and wife are now in custody and may be tied to several robberies.

Daniel R. Plushkis, 26, and Jessica E. Plushkis, 28, both of Crystal Lake, are charged with financial institution robbery and burglary. They were expected in a McHenry County court Wednesday. Federal charges are also likely.

The man, wearing a fake beard, walked into the Jewel-Osco at 103 S. Randall Road about 3 p.m. and demanded money from the TCF Bank teller inside. When he left the store, bystanders confronted him and the Algonquin-LITH Fire District personnel nearby detained him for police.

The woman tried to drive away but police stopped her, according to a Northwest Herald report.

Daniel Plushkis may be a suspect in four other TCF Bank robberies: one Dec. 20 in Streamwood; another Dec. 13 in Arlington Heights; another Dec. 10 in Huntley; and a fourth Dec. 1 in Cary, according to the FBI. In those robberies, the culprit wore a fake beard and wig.