• ILLINOIS NEWS

State senator robbed in bake shop
November 20, 2009 16:50 EST

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) -- State Sen. Dave Koehler was attacked by a gunman who wanted more than cash from the Peoria Democrat.

Koehler was painting late Thursday in an artisan bakery located behind his home when a robber came through an unlocked door and demanded money. He says the $80 to $100 he in his pocket was not enough, with the man also demanding his cell phone.

Koehler says he decided he would tackle the man and take away his gun. The man ran off, and later arrested. But before he ran, the gunman bit Koehler, breaking a finger.

But the real damage, Koehler says, is to the reputation of his struggling neighborhood, which he has been trying to turn around.

Koehler is the latest Illinois legislator robbed. On Sunday, state Rep. Annazette Collins, D-Chicago, was robbed of her purse at gunpoint.