CHICAGO – A 23-year-old man was charged in federal court Friday after allegedly attacking an armored truck driver and stealing a bag of cash during a brazen daylight robbery in the Loop.
Prosecutors said Dajon Harris of Evergreen Park confronted a Brinks driver Wednesday morning in the first block of South State Street as the guard exited a store carrying multiple bags of money. When Harris tried to rip a bag away, a struggle broke out. Harris allegedly punched the driver before seizing one of the bags, according to a federal complaint.
The driver then drew his firearm and fired shots at Harris during the struggle, the complaint said. Harris fled west on Madison Street toward a CTA subway station, where law enforcement officers intercepted him and recovered the stolen money. Harris was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Harris is charged with one count of robbery, a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. His initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and FBI Chicago Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas S. DePodesta. The Chicago Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna Helwig is prosecuting the case.
Authorities noted the incident occurred in a newly designated Project Safe Neighborhoods enforcement zone that covers Chicago’s downtown economic hubs and the city’s rail system. The program targets violent crimes such as robberies, firearm offenses, and carjackings in high-risk areas.
Key Points
- Dajon Harris, 23, charged with robbery after Loop armored truck heist.
- Brinks driver fired shots during the struggle; cash later recovered in CTA station.
- Harris faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.