Champaign Police have identified 38-year-old Derek L. Watson of Champaign as the primary suspect in a robbery that took place yesterday at Regions Bank (111 S. State St).
Bank staff reported that a suspect entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. An undetermined amount of currency was given before the suspect fled on foot in an eastbound direction. A weapon was implied but not displayed, and no injuries were reported.
Champaign Police Detectives interviewed multiple witnesses and developed information resulting in Derek Watson’s identification. Today, an arrest warrant was issued for Watson, for the offense of Aggravated Robbery. Bond on the warrant is set at $750,000.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or Watson’s whereabouts is encouraged to call police. Watson is described as a White male, approximately 5’10”, 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white shirt with a graphic design on the front.
Calls may be made to the Champaign Police Investigations Division at 217-403-6900 or to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at: (217) 373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.