Suspect, 17, Assaulted Elderly Man In Attempted Robbery: Aurora Police

AURORA, IL — A 17-year-old boy assaulted an elderly man, breaking a bone around his eye, in an attempted robbery Aug. 28 in the 2000 block of West Galena Boulevard, Aurora police said.

When officers responded at about 11:13 a.m. to the incident on Aurora's West Side, they found a 70-year-old man with "significant" facial injuries, including swelling around both eyes and a facial laceration. He told police that he had been approached by a young man who demanded money before striking him multiple times in the face and head, officials said in a Wednesday evening news release.

The suspect, a 17-year-old Aurora boy whose name police did not reveal, continued assaulting the man until he knocked him to the ground, according to police. The victim was able to break free, call police and provide a description of his assailant.

Aurora Fire Department paramedics transported the man to Mercy Medical Center, where doctors confirmed he had a broken orbital bone, officials said.

Officers located the teen in the area, but when they attempted to make contact, he fled. The boy was apprehended after a short foot chase. He 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.

The boy was taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, where his intake was approved.

"This was a violent, unprovoked attack on a member of our community," Aurora Police Chief Matthew Thomas said in a statement. "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."

Aurora police continue investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to call the department at 630-256-5500.