Residents in the Harrison neighborhood within the 11th District are on high alert following a series of armed robberies and aggravated vehicular hijackings, as reported by the Chicago Police Department. According to the community alert, the crimes have been particularly insidious, with the perpetrators using a ploy involving food delivery or rideshare services to target their victims.
These incidents have been occurring since late September, with the same modus operandi: drivers are summoned to a location where they are then robbed at gunpoint of their personal belongings and vehicles. In two separate cases, offenders posed as passengers and, during the ride, produced handguns to commandeer the vehicles. Perpetrators, described as two to four male teenagers, wore dark clothing, hoodies, and ski masks, creating an added challenge for identification.
The targeted attacks took place at different times, ranging from the early hours of the morning to late in the evening across several blocks in Garfield Park. Specific incidents on record happened on the 4100 block of W. Maypole Ave., 4200 block of W. Maypole Ave., 4400 block of W. Maypole Ave., 4100 block of W. Madison St., 200 block of N. Keeler Ave., 4400 block of W. West End Ave., and the 200 block of N. Kilbourn Ave.
The Chicago Police Department encourages community members to note any distinct identifiers of these offenders, such as "scars, limp, acne, teeth, etc...," as stated in the alert. Additionally, they remind citizens never to resist during a robbery, or chase after a fleeing assailant. Should you witness an incident or are approached by a witness, it is advised to gather contact information and provide it to the police. In the event of any such crime, individuals should immediately dial 9-1-1, remain on the scene if possible, and avoid tampering with any evidence.
