Residents of Chicago's 16th, 17th, and 25th districts are on high alert after a string of armed robberies. The perpetrators, who approach on foot, tend to target individuals walking alone and visibly carrying a bag or purse. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, the assailants have been described as producing a black semi-automatic handgun to demand the victim's belongings.
The spree of robberies has been unfolding over the past several weeks, with instances reported on the 4000 block of N. Moody and the 4900 block of N. Rutherford both on September 11 and on the 4600 block of N. Kedzie the following day. The alert details additional crimes occurring from late September through early October, including incidents on the 6200 block of W. North Ave. on October 8, and multiple other locations on October 10 spread across blocks such as W. Fullerton, N. Hamlin, and W. Diversey, among others.
The suspects are believed to be a group of male and female Hispanics, ranging from 17 to 25 years of age, with varying heights and build. In some cases, the suspects have concealed their identities using black ski masks, balaclavas, or surgical masks. The public has been urged to pay close attention to any distinguishing features that could help identify the culprits, such as "scars, limp, acne, teeth, etc."
Community members are reminded to prioritize personal safety over property and to never resist an armed robbery. In a statement regarding the crimes, Chicago Police have advised, "Never pursue a fleeing assailant; provide the information to the police." Should anyone witness an incident or be approached by someone claiming to have done so, they should request contact details, dial 9-1-1 immediately, and, remain on the scene when it is safe to do so. Furthermore, potential evidence should not be tampered with until police arrive to investigate the scenes of these crimes.
