Downers Grove Man Tried To Rob North Central College Student: PD

NAPERVILLE, IL - A Downers Grove man has been accused of burglarizing a car and threatening a student's life during a robbery attempt at North Central College. Donald Herkel III, 36, of the 5800 block of Lomond, was charged with attempted aggravated robbery in connection with the incident, which happened early Tuesday.

The victim told police that Herkel approached him after he saw Herkel standing next to his friend's car with the door open shortly after 1 a.m. According to police, Herkel then demanded the victim's belongings, saying, "I've got a gun; I'll shoot you."

The intended victim ran off and contacted the Naperville Police Department, who took Herkel into custody near the parking lot outside of Barnes and Noble. Police say Herkel did not have a weapon on him when he was arrested a short time later.

After the incident, police reminded residents to walk in groups and stay in well-lit areas when possible. If confronted by someone who implies that they have a weapon, police say you should comply with their demands.

In a statement, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "It is alleged after breaking into a vehicle and stealing items from within, Mr. Herkel then threatened a student with his life if he did not give him everything he had. School safety remains a top priority of my administration and with school now back in session students have the absolute right to feel safe not only in their classrooms but throughout their campus. While the victim in this case was unharmed, I am sure this was a very traumatic experience nonetheless."

Herkel is currently being held in DuPage County Jail on $200,000 bond. He is due to appear in court on Sept. 9.