Elgin man charged with armed robbery

An Elgin man made his first court appearance Thursday in connection with an armed robbery that could put him behind bars for six to 30 years if convicted.

Elgin police are still investigating the robbery that took place at 8:40 p.m. March 28 in the 600 block of Villa Street in Elgin, according to police spokeswoman Sue Olafson.

Gilbert M. Alvarez, 28, of the 300 block of North Street in Elgin is charged with taking a cell phone and $213 from a man while armed with a gun, court documents said.

He was charged Thursday with the highest class of felony for the offense, according to bond court documents.

Police are releasing very few details to avoid compromising the case, according to Olafson.

Bail was set at $250,000 Thursday, of which Alvarez must pay 10 percent to be released before his next court date, set for April 7 in St. Charles.