BLOOMINGTON - In a cell phone conversation during a police pursuit that ended in his death Jan. 5, Robert Sylvester Sr. told his son he was not going back to prison. | Yoder's press release (PDF) | Photo gallery | Sylvester's son received card | Videos document shooting

In a report released Thursday, McLean County State's Attorney Bill Yoder ruled police were justified in shooting Sylvester. He was a serial bank robbery suspect who was armed with a modified air pistol when he confronted police on Interstate 55 near the split with Interstate 74, northwest of Normal.

The report is the first time authorities have confirmed that Sylvester's weapon was a BB gun with its barrel drilled out to resemble a real firearm.

Although several officers fired shots, an unidentified state trooper fired the fatal shot to Sylvester's head, said the report.

No criminal charges or action will be taken related to the shooting, said Yoder.

Recovered from Sylvester's car was $2,420 in cash and a receipt for the air pistol found near his body. An additional $2,150 was found in his wallet, according to investigation results.

No BBs or real weapons were found in the vehicle, according to information disclosed Thursday at Sylvester's inquest.

Toxicology reports indicated that Sylvester had in his system at the time of his death the following substances: THC, the primary substance that produces the effects of marijuana; Venlafaxine, a prescription antidepressant marketed under the brand name Effexor; a medication to treat high blood pressure and caffeine.

Final moments

Sylvester, a Bloomington resident, was suspected in the Jan. 5 armed robbery of Check 'n Go on West Market Street that led to a police pursuit.

Officers from the McLean County Sheriff's Department, Bloomington, Normal, Illinois State University and Lexington police departments and state police were involved in the pursuit that ended after Sylvester drove his sport utility vehicle into a median on southbound Interstate 55 adjacent to Normal Community West High School.

As he maneuvered his SUV during the police chase, which went as far north as Lexington and looped around Lake Bloomington, Sylvester spoke with Rob Sylvester Jr. in a phone call. The son's identity as the call recipient was disclosed at an inquest Thursday into Sylvester's death.

The son also received a voice mail from Sylvester stating, "Goodbye, I love you and God bless you," Yoder's report said.

Twin City police cleared six armed robbery cases after the death of Sylvester, who previously served time in federal prison on drug charges.

Court records indicate that the former ironworker was experiencing financial difficulties.