Residents across the 016th, 017th, and 025th Districts are being alerted to a series of armed robberies that have struck the area. A pattern has emerged, with offenders targeting individuals who are alone and carrying bags or purses. The Chicago Police Department has released details of these incidents, with dates and precise locations of the armed robberies, in an attempt to heighten awareness and encourage vigilance among community members.
Approaching on foot, the perpetrators, brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun, demanded the victim's belongings. The incidents have occurred at various times and places, including the 4000 block of N. Moody Ave and the 4900 block of N. Rutherford Ave on September 11; within close time frames on September 25 on both the 3800 block of W. Diversey Ave and the 2300 block of N. Kostner Ave; and most recently through a spree on October 10 that affected multiple locations, according to the Chicago Police Department's community alert.
The description of the offenders is varied in gender and ethnic make-up, involving between two to three Hispanic individuals, both male and female and one black male subject. These individuals are reported to be aged 17-30 years old, with heights ranging between 5'05" and 5'10", and weighing between 100lbs and 250lbs. Some have been seen wearing black ski masks, balaclavas, or surgical masks during the commission of these crimes.
Community members have been advised to prioritize their safety over belongings if confronted by these assailants, the police stated. Witnesses to any of these incidents should memorize any distinct physical characteristics of the offenders, such as scars or limps, but should not interact with or attempt to detain the suspects. The notification released by the authorities encourages anyone with information to dial 9-1-1 immediately and, if possible, remain on the scene without disturbing any potential evidence until police arrive.
