Cabdrivers robbed in Aurora at knife point

Aurora police want help from the public in the search for a man or men who robbed two cabdrivers at knife point.

Both robberies took place in similar fashions, began at the Aurora Transportation Center and ended within two blocks of each other on West Downer Place, police said in a report.

The first robbery took place about 6:45 p.m. Feb. 14. At the transportation center, a cabdriver picked up a man he described as about 28 years old, white, 5 foot 8 inches to 6 foot tall, about 160 pounds with short brown hair and wearing a black skull cap and dark clothing. When the taxi arrived on the 200 block of West Downer Place, the passenger held the knife to the driver's throat and demanded money, police said.

The driver told police he tried to disarm the robber before fleeing from the vehicle. The robber then hopped in the driver's seat and took off in the taxi. Police found the taxi within minutes at Downer and South River Street.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for injuries to his face. His mobile phone and wallet were stolen during the robbery.

On Sunday, an almost identical robbery took place but with a different description of the thief.

At the transportation center, a cabdriver picked up a man he described as white or Hispanic, 6 foot 2 inches, 280 pounds, who requested to go to a location on the west side. The passenger then changed his mind and directed him to the 400 block of West Downer Place. When they arrived, the passenger held a knife to the driver's throat and demanded money, police said. The driver grabbed the robber's hand, moved the knife from his neck and exited the vehicle. The man then drove away in the taxi, and officers again found the taxi in the first block of South River Street.

The thief had scruffy facial hair and a large build with green or light brown eyes. He was wearing a gray winter cap and a black and gray jacket. The driver's cash, cellphone and laptop computer were stolen.

Aurora police ask that anyone with any information call investigators at (630) 256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Crime Stoppers callers may remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.