A 36-year-old Downers Grove man accused of trying to rob a North Central College student was arrested early Tuesday morning, the DuPage County state’s attorney and Naperville police said in a joint statement.
Donald Herkel III, of the 5800 block of Lomond Avenue in Downers Grove, was charged with one count of burglary to a motor vehicle on school grounds and one count of attempt aggravated robbery.
According to a press release issued by the state’s attorney’s office, the victim observed a man, later identified as Herkel, standing by his friend’s car with the car door open around 1 a.m.
Herkel then approached the victim and demanded the victim give up everything he had, saying, “I’ve got a gun. I’ll shoot you,” the release reported.
The victim ran away to call North Central campus security, which in turn alerted the Naperville Police Department.
After speaking with the victim, Naperville officers searched for the offender and found him around 1:30 a.m. in a parking lot near the Barnes and Noble at Washington Street and Chicago Avenue.
The victim was not injured, and no weapon was ever shown, Naperville police said.
Naperville police used the incident to remind residents via Naperville Notify on Tuesday afternoon to walk on well-lit paths and in groups when possible.
In the alert, Naperville police suggested people not do anything that would jeopardize their safety, and if necessary, comply with all demands when confronted with any offender with a weapon, whether actual or implied.
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