Champaign Police have received a number of tips associated with the September 12 bank robbery of Regions Bank (111 S. State St.) and request additional support to locate the suspect, 38-year-old Derek L. Watson of Champaign. A more recent photo of Watson is being provided to aid in citizen identification.
According to reports, Watson entered Regions Bank on September 12 and handed a teller a note demanding money. A weapon was implied but not displayed and an undetermined amount of currency was given before the suspect fled on foot.
Based off of information gathered, Police believe Watson to be travelling between Danville and Champaign. He is described as a White male, approximately 5’10”, 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes and has previously been known to be homeless.
Anyone with information regarding Watson’s whereabouts or the bank robbery is encouraged to call the Champaign Police Investigations Division at 217-403-6900.
Anonymous calls may also be made 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.