Vernon Hills man accused of robbing delivery driver

A Vernon Hills man accused of pepper-spraying and robbing a sandwich delivery driver is being held in Lake County Jail on $500,000 bond.

Benjamin B. Butler, 25, of the 200 block of Court of Shorewood, has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery, obstruction of justice, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and illegal possession of a hypodermic syringe.

After calling in an order to a local Jimmy John's restaurant on Thursday, authorities said Butler confronted the delivery driver around 12:50 p.m. outside his condominium.

Police said Butler used pepper spray on the driver and took an undisclosed amount of cash and three sandwiches.

The driver was transported to the hospital and released, police said.

Butler, who fled the complex before police arrived, told authorities he hitched a ride with a woman to the Vernon Hills Metra station. Police haven't found the woman, but said she doesn't face any charges.

"She just thought she was being a Good Samaritan," Vernon Hills Deputy Police Chief Bill Price said.

Libertyville police learned Butler was on a commuter train and arrested him at the Prairie Crossing station.

In addition to the latest charges, Butler was also wanted on two arrest warrants that occurred before Thursday's incident. The warrants were for domestic battery and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.