WW2 vet to would-be robber: 'You go to hell!'
Knife-wielding robber chased off by armed resident
Police said a knife-wielding robber was outgunned when he tried to rob homeowners on Monday.
The 92-year-old World War II veteran and his 89-year-old wife were more than a handful for the alleged attacker.
Investigators said Robert Kelly Jr. talked his way into a home in the 8800 block of Monsanto Drive, where he had previously done odd jobs.
“I was so proud of him when he told me he was going to college. I thought that was great and let him come in and use the phone,” homeowner Ruby Mathis said.
Ruby Mathis and Hugh Mathis said they thought they were helping someone who lives right in their neighborhood but it almost backfired.
They said Kelly cuts grass and shoveled snow around the neighborhood.
But according to court documents and police records, when Kelly went to the Mathis' home several times on Monday, he had something else in mind.
“He stuck the knife out there and said 'Give me your money,' and I said 'You go to hell!'” Hugh Mathis said.
“They were talking real low, and I came in to see what it was and when I did he was standing in front of Hugh with a knife saying, 'Give me the money out of your pocket,’ so when I heard that I ran to the bedroom and got the gun,” Ruby Mathis said.
Hugh Mathis said he had no intention of handing over his money.
He said Kelly knew they didn't fear him.
“He ran out the door. I was getting up to get a club and then I was going to work him over real good,” Hugh Mathis said.
Springfield Township issued a warrant and Kelly was arrested a short time later.
“I learned a lesson. I won't open the door again, I don't care how much I think I know someone,” Ruby Mathis said.
Everyone in the neighborhood knows the Mathis family. The home on Monsanto Drive has been the family home for more than half century and neighbors said they are upset anyone would want to harm them.
Kelly is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center. His bond was set at $1.5 million for three counts of aggravated robbery.
The case is scheduled to go before the grand jury April 18.