SCHERERVILLE | A St. John man pushed an elderly man to the ground after threatening his life and stealing about $20 from his wallet, police said.

Erick Kegebein, 35, 11475 W. 93rd Ave., was charged Thursday with robbery, a Class B felony, according to an affidavit.

The victim, who turns 81 next week, works as a security guard for the Sherwood Lake apartment complex and was locking the back gate near Old Lincoln Highway about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was robbed, an affidavit states.

Kegebein told the man he would blow his brains out if he didn't give him money. He then put something against the back of the man's head. He stole the man's wallet and pushed him to the ground, causing cuts, bruises and swelling to the man's wrists, according to an affidavit.

Schererville police caught Kegebein in a nearby parking lot. He later admitted to hitting the man and stealing his money because he needed money for alcohol, food and normal living supplies, according to an affidavit.