Des Plaines police arrest man after confrontation over $500

A 35-year-old Matteson man faces a disorderly conduct charge after a verbal confrontation Wednesday with a 20-year-old man he tried to talk into giving him $500, Des Plaines police said.

Daniel James Robinson, of the 5300 block of South Stanford, was arrested about 7:25 p.m. on the 600 block of Graceland Avenue following the incident which began outside Oakton Community College.

Police said Robinson approached the 20-year-old about 7 p.m., claiming that his government-issued car had been towed and asking him to call a toll free number, according to a police report.

The victim told Robinson that his cell phone was dead, but he could charge it in his car. Robinson followed the man to his car and got in, police said. Robinson told the victim he needed $500 to get his car out of impound, police said, and he would repay the man if he gave him a financial account number where he could wire the money.

When the 20-year-old balked, police said, Robinson shouted at him, saying, “I was taking bullets for you in Iraq and you won't show me the respect that I deserve!”

The victim drove to downtown Des Plaines looking for a Chase bank, and at the same time telephoned his cousin, who advised him to drive to the police department instead, police said.

When the victim told Robinson he was driving to the police department, Robinson demanded to be let out of the car. The victim let him out and contacted police, who picked up Robinson who was walking along Graceland, according to reports.

Robinson has 83 prior arrests and 53 convictions on his record for larceny, dangerous drugs, burglary, robbery, assault, invasion of privacy, fraudulent activity, forgery, and flight-escape, police said.

Robinson is set to appear in court Jan. 31.