Bloomington, IL – A daring robbery at an business took an unexpected turn when a Tennessee man, Marcus T. Folks, 41, of Jackson, TN, allegedly attempted a high-speed getaway that culminated in a dramatic crash on a farm field.
According to Bloomington police reports, the incident unfolded on Saturday night at approximately 8:34 p.m. when Bloomington police officers responded to an armed robbery at a business in the 2400 block of South Main Street.
Folks, allegedly armed with what seemed to be a handgun, entered the business and demanded cash from the register. An employee complied, surrendering money as the suspect quickly fled in a waiting vehicle.
Bloomington police initiated a pursuit, chasing the suspect onto the interstate, with the Illinois State Police and McLean County Sheriff’s Office joining the chase. However, the suspect’s escape plan took a perilous turn when they lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a farm field.
Undeterred, the suspect fled on foot but was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Folks now faces multiple reported charges, including Armed Robbery with a Firearm and Aggravated Robbery Indicating Armed with a Firearm, in addition to numerous traffic-related offenses.
As the investigation continues, anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Weston Gresham at 309-434-2570 or Wgresham@cityblm.org.
