Hanover Park man charged with attempting to rob Uber driver at gunpoint

A Hanover Park man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he attempted to rob an Uber driver at gunpoint Sunday.

Nicholas Phillips, 31, of the 1300 block of Sea Biscuit Lane, is charged with one felony count each of attempted armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated battery in a public place.

According to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office, Phillips ordered the Uber sometime before 11 p.m. Aug. 9 and got into the 2023 Kia near his home. A short time later, he ordered the driver to turn back, threatening him with a gun, authorities said.

Authorities say Phillips then told the driver to give him money. When the driver said he didn’t have any, Phillips hit him in the head with his gun and later threatened to shoot him when the driver tried to escape, officials said.

According to prosecutors, Phillips later grabbed the driver’s hand, causing the Kia to crash into a 2023 Nissan. After the crash, the driver exited the car and fled.

Police say Phillips then approached the driver of the Nissan, reached for his waistband, saying, “I got a gun.” Phillips and the driver of the Nissan got into a brief physical altercation, during which the driver of the Nissan was able to disarm Phillips and toss the gun, authorities said.

After Phillips fled the scene, he was arrested by Hanover Park police officers. The driver of the Nissan led officers to a loaded Smith & Wesson 9 mm firearm, according to authorities.

Phillips was ordered held in jail until trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 8.