Corvallis robbery suspect accused of threatening, stealing phone from elderly man

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Corvallis man is facing multiple charges after police said he threatened an elderly man and stole his phone early Friday afternoon.

Just before 1 p.m., officers responded to reports of a robbery near Northwest 14th Street and 14th Place.

Arriving at the scene, police said they learned a suspect had approached an 81-year-old man from behind on the sidewalk, “implied that he was armed with a firearm,” then initiated a scuffle resulting in both men falling to the ground.

The suspect then stole the man’s phone and fled the area.

Police said the man was uninjured and his phone was later found.

Although no arrests were made after officers initially canvassed the area, further investigation identified 29-year-old Austin Bartell as the suspect.

A little over three hours after the robbery was first reported, officers found and arrested Bartell.

He was lodged in the Benton County Jail on charges of second-degree robbery, second-degree theft, coercion, attempted fourth-degree assault, disorderly conduct, menacing, as well as outstanding warrants.

Anyone with further information on this incident is encouraged to contact Corvallis police.