A man who is no stranger to the justice system is back in custody after allegedly robbing a 63-year-old man on an Orange Line train in the Loop last Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors say 36-year-old Collins sat next to a 63-year-old man and took the man’s wallet from his pocket. The victim and a 65-year-old woman with him stood up and demanded the wallet back. Collins allegedly responded by punching the man in the face three times before turning on the woman and striking her once in the face.
Collins then yanked the train’s emergency stop lever and bolted from the train, prosecutors said. The victims followed until they encountered a couple of police officers. They stopped Collins and allegedly found the victim’s wallet in his pants.
He is charged with robbery of a victim over 60 and two counts of misdemeanor battery. Judge Rivanda Doss Beal granted the state’s detention petition, keeping Collins in custody while the case moves forward.
Court records show Collins has repeatedly cycled through the criminal justice system. He was sentenced to three years for burglary and two years for felony retail theft last year. In 2023, he received 180 days for aggravated battery of a peace officer, another 180 days for robbery, and another 180 days for burglary.
Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.
