Editors note: A Cook County prosecutor stated during a bond court hearing Wednesday that the victim in this case was a “6-year-old male.” We cited that information in the original version of this story. We have since learned that the victim is 60-years-old. A YouTube archive of the bond hearing confirms that the victim was said to be a “6-year-old male.” We have updated this story to reflect the victim’s correct age.
A couple is facing robbery charges after they allegedly tried to mug a 60-year-old man in the South Loop on Tuesday morning.
The man was on the sidewalk in the 2100 block of South Clark when he saw a blue SUV drive past and make a U-turn around 11:30 a.m., according to Chicago police and prosecutors. The GMC Acadia pulled to a stop and Fred Wolfe, 18, allegedly emerged from its passenger seat.
Wolfe tried to take the man’s phone by using force, but the man fought back and Wolfe retreated to the SUV, which sped away with Armonie Lewis, 19, behind the wheel, Assistant State’s Attorney Loukas Kalliantasis said.
The victim flagged down a passing patrol car to report the robbery attempt. Kalliantasis said the GMC Acadia drove by as officers talked with the victim. Cops pulled the SUV over and arrested Wolfe and Lewis after the victim identified them, said Kalliantasis.
Lewis allegedly told police that she was simply driving when Wolfe told her to pull over. She reportedly told investigators that she had no idea Wolfe would try to rob someone, she said. Lewis has never been arrested before. Wolfe exercised his right to remain silent, Kalliantasis said.
They are both charged with attempted robbery. Lewis is also charged with driving without a license.
Assistant Public Defender Suzin Farber said Lewis and Wolfe are both high school seniors who work concessions at White Sox games.
Judge Mary Marubio allowed them to go home by posting a 10% deposit bond of $200. She said they must stay in their homes from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Wolfe must wear an electronic monitoring bracelet from the chief judge’s office to monitor his curfew.