An Elgin man was charged with robbery Tuesday after trying to escape police by floating his way down the Fox River.

According to an Elgin Police Department news release and media reports, 28-year-old Joseph C. Figliola of the 500 block of Raymond St in Elgin, has been charged with robbery, a Class 2 felony, after a cat-and-mouse game that involved officers positioning themselves on both sides of the river.

The Elgin Police Department responded to a report of a robbery at the JJ Peppers store at 10 S. State St, Elgin, at around 4:32 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, reports said. A description of the suspect was provided to officers from witnesses and video surveillance cameras at the store.

Officers created a perimeter in the area and began searching for the suspect. A person matching the description of the suspect “was seen floating in the Fox River and was taken into custody by officers in the area,” the news release said.

A report on the Chicago Tribune website said officers were positioned on both sides of the river and were able to coax Figliola to one of the banks, where he was captured.

The facts of the case were reviewed with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Figliola was charged with robbery. The charges against Figliola are not proof of guilt. He is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the Tribune story, Figliola is on parole in connection to Kane County convictions for theft in 2014 and burglary in 2015.

Figliola’s bail was set at $50,000 at a Wednesday morning hearing. He is scheduled to return to court May 18 for a status hearing before Judge James Hallock.

SOURCES: Elgin Police Department media release, chicagotribune.com