Stroke Case, Bank Robbery Investigation Earn Police Honors

On a quarterly basis, Creve Coeur Police recognize department members for their work with citations of recognition and by naming an "Officer Of The Quarter" at a ceremony at the Creve Coeur Government Center. Police Officer Al Eickhoff shared the honor with Officer Steve Deghelder, while Detective Don Szydlowski also earned recognition for his work with Deghelder.

The following citations were read at a ceremony this week by Police Chief Glenn Eidman:

On August 5th, 2013 the Police Department received a call of an armed robbery at the First Bank branch inside Dierberg’s Supermarket at 11481 Olive.  Witnesses gave a description of the suspect and that he left the area in a taxi cab.

Detective Szydlowski was one of the first officers to arrive at the bank.  He assisted in securing the scene, gathering information and identifying witnesses. Det. Szydlowski learned the suspect threatened the bank teller and obtained an undisclosed amount of cash during the bank robbery.

During this time, Officer Steve Deghelder was searching the area for the suspect.  He was able to locate a taxi cab parked at the Walgreens store at 10941 Olive. 

Officer Deghelder contacted the taxi driver who was sitting alone in the car and determined he was not involved in any crime and was unaware that his passenger had just committed a bank robbery.  After speaking with the driver, Officer Deghelder noticed a man walking out of Walgreens and toward the taxi who fit the description of the robbery suspect.  Det. Szydlowski escorted the witness to Walgreens and she identified the suspect who had just robbed the bank.

During the interview of the suspect at the police station, Detective Szydlowski was able to obtain a full confession of the bank robbery.  In addition, the suspect admitted going into Walgreens to rob them as well, but was unsuccessful since the cashier refused to cooperate.

Warrants were issued by the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office for Robbery 1st Degree (First Bank) and Attempt Robbery 1st Degree (Walgreens) and bond was set at $150,000.

Due to their quick responses, investigative skills on the scene, and outstanding teamwork, the bank robbery was solved within minutes of its occurrence. 

Detective Don Szydlowski and Officer Steve Deghelder are hereby awarded this Certificate of Recognition.

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While conducting an area check of Mercy Hospital on August 10th, 2013 Officer Eickhoff noticed a white male acting strangely next to a car in the parking lot.  Officer Eickhoff had been driving through the hospital parking lots due to recent car break-ins.  As he drove up to speak with the man, Officer Eickhoff noticed that the man was standing in a very awkward position and starting to shake. 

The subject was unable to talk and became very rigid.  Officer Eickhoff called for paramedics as he knew the man was going into a medical crisis.  As the man went unconscious, Officer Eickhoff gently lowered the him to the ground.  Paramedics arrived and transported the victim into the emergency room, a short distance away. 

Officer Eickhoff later learned the man was having a stroke as he saw him standing by his car.  Medical staff on scene stated Officer Eickhoff likely saved the victim from serious medical complications or even death. 

Due to his alertness while on patrol and his dedication to duty, Officer Al Eickhoff is awarded this Certificate of Recognition.