A 70-year-old Aurora man was brutally beaten in an attempted robbery late last Thursday evening when he was accosted by a juvenile on Aurora’s west side.
At approximately 11:13pm, Aurora Police responded to the 2000 block of West Galena Boulevard for a report of an attempted robbery and aggravated battery where they found a 70-year-old victim with significant facial injuries, including swelling to both eyes and a facial laceration. The man told officers he had been approached by a younger male who demanded money and then struck him multiple times in the face and head, continuing the assault after knocking him to the ground. The victim was able to break free, call police, and provide officers with a detailed description of the offender and his location nearby.
Officers located the suspect in the area described by the victim. When officers attempted to make contact, the suspect ran but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.
Aurora Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to Mercy Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken orbital bone.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Aurora, was charged with two counts of Aggravated Battery (public way and great bodily harm), Resisting a Peace Officer, Attempted Robbery, and Aggravated Battery to a Person Over 60. He was transported to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.
“This was a violent, unprovoked attack on a member of our community,” said Aurora Police Chief Matthew Thomas. “Our officers acted quickly to identify and apprehend the offender, and given the circumstances of this case, we’re grateful his injuries weren’t more severe. It’s especially troubling when seniors are victimized, and we remain committed to protecting those who need it the most.”
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500.
