A recent spree of strong-arm robberies and retail thefts has swept through Chicago's 1st and 19th Districts, with a series of incidents dating back to February, according to a business alert issued by the Chicago Police Department. The suspect, described as a male with a dark complexion, approximately 25-40 years old, between 5'10" and 6'02", and weighing 160 to 200 pounds, was reported to have a beard and was involved in at least 21 incidents where he jumped counter barriers in stores, filled his backpack with stolen goods including cigarettes and liquor bottles, and often physically threatened or assaulted employees during the crimes.
In each instance, the robber's modus operandi was almost a carbon copy of the last—he would vault over the cash register counter, hastily gather boxes of cigarettes and bottles of liquor into his backpack, then make his way out of the establishment. Typically past the point where purchases are normally finalized and during the crimes on several occasions, the suspect resorted to vigorous altercations with store clerics and vocally terrorized them. The crimes occurred in locations including but not limited to the 200 and 100 blocks of West Adams Street, the 100 block of West Madison Street, the 100 block of South Clinton Street, and extending as far as the 4600 block of North Western Avenue and the 900 block of West Diversey Parkway, showing a pattern that has businesses on high alert across a swath of the city.
The Chicago Police Department has urged the public to take note of any distinctive features of the suspect including scars, limps, or other unique characteristics, and to never engage or follow a fleeting criminal. "Never resist a robbery. Value your life over any and property," the alert advised. Witnesses are encouraged to provide any information to the police, avoid touching anything at the scene, and call 9-1-1 immediately, remaining on site until authorities arrive if possible.
While the investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have been made, authorities are intensifying their efforts to identify and apprehend the suspect. Community members have been instrumental in providing leads, yet the department continues to ask citizens to remain vigilant, take preventative safety measures, and report any incidents promptly, businesses especially, should maintain alertness and establish security protocols to protect their employees and properties from potential encounters with the prolific offender who has instilled an air of trepidity across Chicago's shopfronts.
