Chicago Residents on Alert as String of Armed Robberies and Hijacking Strike Harrison and Austin Districts

Residents of Chicago's 11th and 15th districts are being urged to stay vigilant after a string of armed robberies and an aggravated vehicular hijacking incident have plagued the area. The Chicago Police Department reported that offenders, described as one to two black males possibly in their teens, approached the victims either walking or parking in alleys. Using handguns, the assailants demanded valuables such as wallets, cellphones, purses, and even vehicles.

The series of crimes occurred under cover of darkness, and the locations and times were pinpointed within a span of a few weeks. According to the police report, the incidents took place as follows: on the 4700 block of W. Maypole Ave. sometime between midnight and 1:30 AM on June 24; the 4700 block of W. Washington Blvd. at 10:00 PM on July 1; the 4600 block of W. Monroe St. at 10:00 PM on July 12; and the 4900 block of W. Erie St. at 2:55 AM on July 15.

The suspects are believed to be between 5'07" and 6'00" in height and were spotted wearing dark clothing and facemasks during the incidents. Authorities have not yet been able to return to apprehend the perpetrators but have issued advisory warnings to the public on how to protect themselves and aid in the ongoing investigations.

The police are suggesting individuals to never resist during a robbery and to avoid pursuing fleeing assailants. Witnesses should try to remember any unique physical characteristics of the offender such as scars or limps and are encouraged to get the contact information of a witness, if approached, and pass it on to law enforcement. The department also reminds citizens to "Dial 9-1-1 immediately and remain on scene when possible, and don't touch any evidence." The intention is to capture not just the criminals, but to also steadily rebuild a sense of security within the affected communities.