Two Waukegan teens charged with robbery

Two Waukegan teens are facing time behind bars on allegations they attacked a man and stole his wallet Friday night.

Ricardo Anderson, 17, and a 16-year-old juvenile, both of the 2700 block of Florida Drive, were arrested Friday on robbery charges stemming from the attack in the 1800 block of Walnut Street, authorities said.

The victim told police that he had just walked past Anderson and the juvenile while listening to music from his phone when the teens attacked him from behind, said Waukegan police Cmdr. Gabe Guzman.

The suspects reportedly beat him about the face and head, Guzman said, then took his wallet and cellphone before fleeing the area.

Following an investigation, the teens were taken into custody and interviewed, Guzman said. Both admitted involvement in the robbery, according to police.

Ricardo Anderson was charged as an adult with a felony count of robbery, and is being held in the Lake County jail in lieu of $40,000 bond, Guzman said. The 16-year-old also was charged with robbery, and was transported to the Hulse Juvenile Detention Center in Vernon Hills.

Guzman said the juvenile had just been released from Hulse on Nov. 7, and had been in the juvenile center three times in the past 18 months on charges of residential burglary, aggravated domestic battery and possession of cannabis.

“The juvenile offender was only out for two days before he committed this robbery; and has been locked up three times in the past 18 months,” Waukegan Police Chief Daniel Greathouse said. “This kid is a menace to society. Hopefully, this time, they keep him locked up long enough to get the necessary intervention he clearly needs.”