A 26-year-old Aurora man, charged with stealing two women's purses, also wound up with some injured ribs for his trouble, authorities said.

According to police, Aaron A. Rodanhisler, of the 600 block of North River Street, stole two purses from two women who were washing clothes just after 4 p.m. Tuesday at a coin laundry on the first block of North Madison Street.

Police said both women chased Rodanhisler down the street.

Three men eventually came to their rescue, stopped Rodanhisler, and held him until officers arrived.

Police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said two of the three men left before police arrived and the third was not identified.

"They went way above and beyond to help a fellow citizen despite caring for their own safety in this instance," he said.

Both purses and their contents were recovered, Ferrelli said. Rodanhisler was treated for bruised ribs.