The streets of Oak Park, Illinois, erupted in chaos when $300,000 in cash spilled from a Brinks armoured truck into the street.
“People were running down the streets with money bags,” Nicole Phillips-Edwards, an Oak Park resident, told CBS News Chicago.
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Although she did not witness the unfolding event, Phillips-Edwards says police arrived at her home to provide details of the incident.
Bystanders scramble for found money
In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood heist, Oak Park turned into a frenzied free-for-all when the back door of a Brinks armoured truck suddenly swung open and three bags of cash, worth $300,000, tumbled out.
The Brinks driver reported to police that a swarm of people — estimated between 50 and 100 — rushed to collect the loose bills scattered across the street. Bystanders stuffed their pockets with cash and fled the scene.
With the police involved in the investigation, authorities are scrambling to track down those who took part in this unusual incident. If caught, individuals involved may experience serious legal consequences.
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The legal line between found and stolen
According to Illinois law, the rules regarding found property are clear: If a person comes across lost items, including money, they are legally obligated to return them to the rightful owner — in this case, Brinks — without expecting any form of compensation.
Former FBI agent Mike Driscoll shared insights on the challenges of apprehending suspects in this scenario.
“In an instance like this where you’re talking about loose cash, that’s very, very difficult,” he told CBS News.
“Law enforcement will have to rely on old-fashioned investigative techniques.”
Investigators will likely comb through surveillance footage and interview witnesses to identify potential offenders.
Anyone who keeps lost money can face severe penalties. If someone commits property theft of between $500 and $10,000, they may be charged with a Class 3 felony. Individuals caught may face a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years, alongside fines reaching up to $25,000.
Depending on the amount, passersby who believe they found an extraordinary stroke of luck may instead face court appearances and lasting criminal records.
Returning found money
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a cautionary tale: When you come across lost cash, report it immediately to local authorities.
If you find cash or property valued at $100 or more in Illinois, you must file an affidavit within five days.
This document should detail what you found, where and when you discovered it, and affirm that you have no knowledge of the rightful owner — and have not kept any portion of the money or property.
In the meantime, Village of Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick told USA Today that the Oak Park Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. Any witness who can share valuable information can contact the department by calling 708-464-1636 or visiting www.oak-park.us/crimetip.
As the dust settles on this freak event, those who seized the moment may find that the real cost of their actions is only beginning to emerge.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
