Elderly Employee Targeted in Rockford Walgreens Robbery

A Rockford man is facing felony robbery and aggravated battery charges after police say he threatened an elderly Walgreens employee and fled with cash.

Robbery Reported at Rockford Walgreens

According to the press release from the Rockford Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Walgreens on Auburn Street after a reported robbery on Monday Evening (1/20).

Authorities say the incident happened around 7:45 pm at the Walgreens on the city's east side at 3802 Auburn Street. When they arrived, they found an elderly female employee shaken from the incident, but able to describe what happened.

Suspect Allegedly Threatened Elderly Employee

According to police, the employee was opening a cash register when a man wearing a ski mask approached her. Investigators say the suspect forcefully removed the cash drawer, threatened the employee, and then took an undisclosed amount of money. before fleeing the store on foot.

Police confirmed the victim was over the age of 60, which elevates the severity of the charges.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

After a brief investigation, Rockford Police Detectives identified the suspect as 46-year-old Ray Griffin of Rockford.

On January 22, 2026, officers with SCOPE (Specialized Community Oriented Policing Enforcement) took Griffin into custody.

According to the press release, evidence gathered during the investigation supported felony charges.

Felony Charges Filed

Following a review of the case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized charges of Robbery (Victim 60+) and Aggravated Battery (Victim 60+).

Griffin was lodged in the Winnebago County Jail pending further court proceedings. Authorities have not released details on the court date.