News Release: Chicago Man Charged in River Forest Bank and Gas Station Robberies

September, 18, 2020

On January 22, 2020 at 11:58AM River Forest Officers responded to Byline Bank located at 7751 Lake St. in reference to a Bank Robbery.  The offender approached the teller, and showed her a sign that said “I have a gun, give me 100’s, 50’s, and 20’s.”  The teller gave the offender an unknown amount of United States Currency, and he left the bank.  Utilizing the Village of River Forest street cameras, investigators were able to determine that the offender, used a moped to flee the scene eastbound on Central into Oak Park.  During the course of travel, the offender discarded numerous items which were photographed and recovered by officers.  Those items were turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for DNA analysis.  The results of the DNA analysis provided identified David Divizio, a 49-year old male from Chicago as the offender.  Divizio has a history for Bank Robberies for which he served a term of 7 years in federal custody. 

On June 21, 2020 at 2:46PM River Forest Officers responded to the Circle K gas station located at 7201 North Ave. in reference to a Robbery.  The clerk advised officers that a male offender entered the store and asked her where to find the lighter fluid.  The clerk pointed him to the location of the lighter fluid and he returned to the counter to begin spraying it on the counter.  The offender told the clerk he would light the store on fire if she did not give him money from the cash register.  She complied and he left the business in an unknown direction.  A witness observed him drop multiple items which were photographed and recovered by officers.  The items were sent to the Illinois State Police Forensic Science Center in Chicago for analysis.  After reviewing the video surveillance, the offender had the same tattoos as David Divizio.

On September 5, 2020 at 1:12PM River Forest Officers responded to Fifth Third Bank located at 7727 Lake St. in reference to a Bank Robbery.   The offender approached the teller, and provided a note which said “I have a gun, give me the money.”  The offender then left the bank eastbound through the rear with the money.  Investigators conducted a canvas and utilized the Village of River Forest street cameras to determine that the offender left the area in a Blue Cab taxi.  Investigators obtained a cell phone number for the call placed to the cab company, and obtained video surveillance from inside of the cab.  After reviewing the video, investigators identified the offender as David Divizio.

Investigators used the information from all three incidents to assist the Federal Bureau of Investigation in obtaining an arrest warrant for David Divizio. Also, investigators determined several locations where he frequents.  With the information obtained, River Forest Investigators conducted multiple days of surveillance in Chicago.  On September 16, 2020 River Forest Investigators located David Divizio in the 6300 block of North Ave. and placed him into custody.

David Divizio was interviewed by River Forest Investigators, and he provided a statement in which he committed the three Robberies in River Forest.  He was charged with Attempted Aggravated Arson, a Class 1 Felony, and Robbery, a Class 2 Felony.  David Divizio was also interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Elmwood Park Police Department, Chicago Police Department, and Oak Park Police Department.  David Divizio was charged with multiple Robberies by the Elmwood Park Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Chicago Police Department intend on filing charges as well. David Divizio is currently in custody at the Cook County Jail on $40,000 and $30,000 bonds.

Click here for the entire news release.