Police arrest suspect in 'Cadillac Bandit' bank robberies

A Chicago man remained Wednesday in federal custody after being accused of robbing a Lisle bank.

FBI officials said John M. Donaldson also is a suspect in three other suburban stickups, as well as the failed attempt to rob a Clarendon Hills bank. The suspect was dubbed the "Cadillac Bandit" due to his choice of getaway car.

Donaldson, 57, was arrested Sunday while leaving his home on the 7800 block of South Coles Avenue.

Authorities said they were led to him after a DNA sample obtained from a pair of eyeglasses left behind at the scene of an Aug. 12 attempted robbery at National City Bank in Clarendon Hills matched a genetic profile already on file with the FBI.

So far, Donaldson is charged with the Oct. 28 robbery of a teller at a TCF branch inside Jewel at 1156 Maple Avenue in Lisle. Police said the robber displayed a handgun tucked in his belt before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Prosecutors charged him last week in federal court with one felony count of bank robbery. If he is convicted, Donaldson faces up to 20 years in prison.

FBI officials said they also suspect him of three other Chicago-area bank robberies since April. The other heists were April 23 at Bank of America in Glen Ellyn; Aug. 28 at TCF in Countryside; and Oct. 29 at TCF in Plainfield.