In a string of high-stakes crimes that are rattling the South Side, rideshare drivers are being targeted by armed robbers after reaching their destinations. The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert for the 4th and 6th Districts following a series of armed robberies and vehicular hijackings that have been plaguing the area. According to the alert, these incidents have occurred across different blocks within close proximity of each other since May 9, 2024.
Vulnerable rideshare operators are facing a new threat: gunpoint thefts carried out by assailants described as 1-3 male African Americans, who conceal their identities with black ski masks and wield a black handgun. In a chilling pattern, drivers are being ambushed after ferrying the offenders to their intended locations. Amongst the affected streets were the 9100 block of S. Dauphin and the 500 block of E. 92nd Place, which have become the staging ground for these criminal acts.
The severity of the situation calls for heightened vigilance, particularly from those behind the wheel of Chicago's ubiquitous rideshares. Police are urging drivers to maintain awareness and exercise caution when picking up passengers, especially if their appearance does not match the provided description or if they seem intent on concealing their faces. Rideshare drivers are advised to steer clear of areas where their vehicle may be easily cornered and to avoid distractions that could leave them vulnerable to an ambush.
In light of these recent crimes, the authorities have offered several recommendations to potentially prevent further incidents. Drivers are urged to report any suspicious activity and to recall the unique physical characteristics of assailants, which could aid in their identification. Still, the CPD has made it emphatically clear: "Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide any identifying information to the police." They also suggest investing in an after-market tracker to aid in vehicle recovery should a hijacking occur.
The Chicago Police Department's website remains the primary source of information and updates on these ongoing investigations. With community safety as their chief concern, as displayed in recent alerts, they've emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting, all in an effort to bring an end to this streak of alarming crimes.
