Body cam video shows suspected bank robber trying to shoot, disarm Joliet officers
JOLIET, Ill. (CBS) -- Dramatic new police body cam video shows the moment an accused bank robber tried to grab a police officer's gun during his arrest in Joliet.
Video also showed the moment the man fired his own gun at officers when they came to his door.
On Feb. 13, Joliet police went to a residence in the 400 block of Timber Pointe Drive after they learned Victor Barakat, 47, of Joliet, was there and a suspect in a bank robbery in another jurisdiction, police said.
Barakat is accused of robbing a Fifth Third Bank in Rolling Meadows on Feb. 8, according to a federal criminal complaint. Surveillance images from the incident appear to show Barakat holding a silver handgun. Investigators said Barakat left a smartphone on a teller counter during the robbery which police recovered.
An audit showed he stole $224 from a bank teller and surveillance video showed he dropped $64 of that money on the floor before leaving the bank.
Officers going to arrest him on Feb. 13 encountered a man in the front door of the residence who identified himself as Barakat. While speaking to police, Barakat allegedly had a handgun, pointed it at officers and pulled the trigger.
The handgun did not fire.
Officers took Barakat to the ground and wrestled away the gun. Police said the handgun's magazine contained live ammunition, but its firing chamber was empty.
As police took Barakat to a squad car, he tried to grab and take an officer's holstered gun. Officers were able to separate Barakat from the weapon.
Barakat was then taken to Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet for injuries he suffered during the struggle with police. He was released from the hospital a short time later and taken to the Joliet Police Department. He was eventually transferred into federal custody.
On Feb. 27, investigators secured an arrest warrant for Barakat for several charges. A Will County judge put Barakat's bail at $2.5 million.
