Residents of the 002nd District (Wentworth) are on high alert as a recent string of robberies has the community looking over their shoulders. According to the Chicago Police Department, two male suspects have been involved in at least two recent incidents at gas stations in the area, both occurring on the 5000 block of South Cornell Ave. The first attack happened on July 27, at around 8:30 P.M., followed by a second on August 1, at approximately 4:30 A.M.
The suspects, described as African-American males donning black hooded sweatshirts and ski masks, are reported to have brandished handguns before demanding and taking victims' possessions. They were last seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle, as per the Chicago Police Department. Local citizens are growing increasingly concerned as these incidents seem to mark an uptick in the number of similar crimes plaguing the area.
Law enforcement is advising the public to remain vigilant. "Always be aware of your surroundings," advises the alert. The police stress the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior immediately and, in the unfortunate event that one becomes a victim, to try to stay calm and take note of any distinguishing features of the assailant. Pursuits of assailants are strongly discouraged, instead, victims should dial 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so.
