The city's peace was pierced yet again when armed robbery hit the 14th and 25th Districts, with a spree of incidents that left the Chicago Police Department urging residents to vigilance. According to a community alert issued by CPD, the robbers aggressively corner victims by storming out of a Gray Hyundai SUV, brandishing handguns equipped with strobe lights or flashlights, and demanding belongings such as wallets, firearms, credit cards, cash, and phones.
Victims were accosted in eerily quick succession on January 26th, beginning on the 2300 Block of North Spaulding Ave at 12:15 AM, moving to the 2400 Block of the same street just an hour later, and ending on the 1300 Block of North Monitor Ave at 2:00 AM; one incident escalated to violence with a victim sustaining severe facial injuries after being punched. The police have described the assailants as three black males, possibly between the ages of 16 and 21, of slim build and weighing 130 to 160 pounds, who weren't afraid to conceal their identities with black ski masks and who clad themselves in black hoodies, joggers, and jeans, a grim uniform for nefarious deeds, CPD reports.
Local law enforcement has issued advice on how residents can protect themselves – remain alert, join forces when walking especially during the night, don’t carry excess cash, and avoid confrontations that could spiral into physical harm. They further suggest parking in well-lit areas and keeping the community informed of suspicious activities. "Give us the money," and "give us the cash," the offenders reportedly threatened during their criminal tirade, the police relayed the stark words the victims heard.
