Residents in Chicago's 9th District, particularly senior citizens, are being urged to stay vigilant after a series of robberies have plagued the area, leaving the community on edge. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, offenders have targeted victims ranging from 63 to 80 years old, employing violence and intimidation tactics such as shoving, punching, brandishing pocket knives, and spraying with oleoresin capsicum, popularly known as pepper spray. These attacks occurred throughout November, with several assaults taking place in the Armour Square neighborhood.
The incidents, specifically, have been mapped to occurrences on the 2200 block of South Princeton Avenue and the 2300 block of South Stewart Avenue, along with the 300 block of West 23rd Street and the 200 block of West 22nd Place. Reports state that the assailants have to actively look to confront their targets, quickly turning violent to immobilize them before searching and robbing. The police have detailed descriptions of the suspected assailants: an African American or Hispanic male, another unidentified African American male, and a white female. The male suspects range in age and share similar physical attributes, while the female suspect is characterized by her white jacket and black pants.
Community members are encouraged to "always be aware of your surroundings" and to "immediately report suspicious activity." These tips come as part of the police department's efforts to bolster community safety and assist residents in protecting themselves against potential threats. If an individual encounters an assailant, they are advised to remain calm and remember any distinct physical characteristics that could aid in identification, and not to pursue but rather immediately contact the authorities.
Additionally, those with access to video surveillance are prompted to "save a copy of the incident for detectives." The importance of gathering as much information as possible is emphasized, including approaching any potential witnesses for contact information. In times of incident, dialing 9-1-1 and remaining on the scene when possible is critical to ensure a swift police response.
