Authorities work together to arrest Bensenville robber

A 30-year-old Sugar Grove man has been arrested in connection with a recent bank robbery in Bensenville, authorities said Tuesday.

Edgar Vera, of 329 Mallard St., was taken into custody on Dec. 6 at his home.

Authorities say a Daily Herald reader recognized Vera in a surveillance photo published Nov. 30 -- the day the robbery occurred -- and contacted Bensenville police.

"Someone recognized him and provided us with an important lead," Special Agent Ross Rice of the FBI said.

Both Bensenville police and FBI agents followed up on the lead.

"Everybody worked well together," Bensenville Police Chief Frank Kosman said.

The robbery happened just after 11 a.m. when a man entered the Chase Bank at 133 W. Grand Ave. He handed a note to a teller demanding money, authorities said.

While the man never displayed a weapon, the note indicated he had a gun.

The man collected roughly $1,000 in cash and placed it into a white plastic bag that he brought with him. He then fled the bank on foot, authorities said.

Rice said FBI agents have looked into the possibility that Vera may be linked to other local bank robberies but have found nothing yet.

"It's something we do with every robbery," he said. "That is being done as we speak. But as of right now, he's only been charged with one bank robbery."

Bank robbery is a federal offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison, officials said.