Batavia man denies robbery attempt

A Batavia man was acting in self-defense when he fought with two pedestrians who wouldn't give him money, his attorney said Wednesday.

Danny L. Kaminski, 37, of the 1200 block of Brandywine Circle, pleaded not guilty in Kane County Circuit Court to one count of robbery and two counts of aggravated battery in the May 24, 2009, incident in Geneva.

Kaminski's attorney, D.J. Tegeler, said his client had "no intent at any time to commit a robbery" when he went up to two men walking on the 0-99 block of North Second Street and asked for "money for a ride home."

Tegeler said the situation didn't turn violent until one of the men told Kaminski he had only a credit card - and Kaminski asked to see it.

"They got mouthy, he got mouthy. They all ended up in a fight," Tegeler said. "This was self-defense."

Geneva police have said Kaminski punched the men when they refused his demand for cash, then ran to the 200 block of James Drive, where he was later arrested.

If convicted of the most serious charge, a Class 3 felony, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and $25,000 in fines, said Judge Allen M. Anderson.

Kaminski is free on bond and returns to court April 8.