Chicago residents are on high alert as the Chicago Police Department reports a string of armed robberies within the city's 12th, 14th, and 18th districts. A series of incidents involving three to four male suspects conducting robberies at gunpoint. The offenders, described as male blacks donning black clothing and ski masks, have been targeting individuals, demanding their property, and then fleeing in a stolen vehicle, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The alarming spree of criminal activity has been tracked across multiple locations, starting on the 2200 block of North Clybourn Ave, continuing through North Chicago Ave, and including North Hermitage Ave, among others. Spanning from May 14 to May 18, these brazen robberies have occurred at varying hours of the early morning. Armed with handguns, the suspects pull up to their victims, committing the thefts often within minutes of each other, as per the Chicago Police Department.

In a disturbing turn of events, one bystander was shot while attempting to intervene in a robbery. Authorities are urging the public to avoid engaging with the assailants and to put safety above possessions. Key to the suspects' identification could be any unique physical features such as scars or a noticeable limp. Anyone with information should contact the police and avoid touching anything at the scene until authorities arrive. The public is reminded to value their lives over property and to dial 9-1-1 immediately while remaining on the scene if it is safe to do so.