Elmhurst bank robbery prompts school lockdowns

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) -- Several schools were put on lockdown Wednesday as authorities continue to search for a man who robbed a bank in west suburban Elmhurst.

U.S. Marshals Service said Christopher Martin Stephen, 44, violated parole and is armed and dangerous. Their search is centered in Villa Park, Elmhurst and Bellwood.

Students at McKinley Elementary School in Bellwood were escorted out after the school was put on lockdown on Wednesday afternoon. Earlier, Lincoln and Madison schools in Elmhurst were placed on lockdown while police searched the area.

Around 10:30 a.m., police responded to a bank robbery at Inland Bank at 539 S. Spring Road in Elmhurst. Police said Stephen walked into the bank this morning and handed a teller a note demanding money.

The FBI believe the suspect also robbed an Inland Bank on 837 S. Westmore Avenue in Lombard on Monday afternoon.

Tom Izzo, an Elmhurst resident, said he was concerned knowing that Stephen is still out there.

"Pretty scary," said Izzo. "I'm going to make sure the doors are double locked."

Elmhurst police recovered a vehicle they believe was involved in the robbery. Police have a person of interest, not this suspect, who they believe has more information.