Alleged Robber Beat Old Men, Tried to Steal Shovel, Snow Blower: Cops

A 21-year-old Aurora man has been charged in connection to a battery and robbery that occurred the morning of March 3

Ronald Phipps, 21, of the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue in Aurora, was charged with three counts of aggravated battery through the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office and single counts of aggravated battery, robbery, fleeing and eluding police and not having a valid driver’s license in DuPage County, according to a release from the Aurora Police Department.

Phipps allegedly approached a 66-year-old man who was shoveling snow at an automotive repair business in the 100 block of North Loucks Street on the City’s Near East side at around 8:15 a.m. March 3, according to police. Phipps demanded the shovel the man was using before punching him in the face, grabbing the shovel and walking around a neighboring building, police said.

The 66 year old walked toward the business to summon help but before reaching the door, Phipps again appeared and punched the man in the face a second time. The two men then got into a third tussle as the victim was trying to enter the business. He was able to push Phipps away and get into the building, locking the door behind him. Phipps ended up leaving the shovel and driving away, according to police. The 66-year-old man declined treatment.

About an hour later, Phipps allegedly approached a 71-year-old man in the 1600 block of Trafalger Lane on the Far East Side and demanded a snow blower the man was using. When the man refused, Phipps took a swing at him but missed when the man moved out of the way. Phipps then hit the man in the chest causing the victim to fall to the ground. Fearing he would be further attacked, the victim kicked Phipps twice. Phipps then took the snow blower and began walking toward his vehicle while the 71 year old walked toward his house where he summoned police.

At 9:21 a.m., officers spotted Phipps’ green, 2003 Ford Explorer near Trafalger and Ridge Road and followed it, police said. Phipps ended up stopping near Montgomery Road and Cumberland Avenue where he was taken into custody without further incident, according to the police.

The snow blower was located in a driveway in the 2400 block of Ridge Road. The victim declined medical treatment.

Bond for Phipps was set at $150,000. He is currently being held at the DuPage County Correctional Facility.