Residents and visitors in the Altgeld Gardens and Golden Gate neighborhoods are advised to exercise caution following a series of armed robberies. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, these incidents have involved victims who were lured under the guise of a sale arranged via social media. Once at the agreed-upon location, they were confronted by individuals armed with a black handgun who then proceeded to rob them of their personal belongings.
All incidents occurred within the 5th (Calumet) District, where the victims encountered the assailants after arranging to meet for sales initiated on different online platforms. While victims of the robberies attempted to conduct their business, offenders made their appearance, robbing individuals of their property before fleeing on foot. The most recent incidents occurred on the 13000 block of S. Greenwood on December 10, the 13300 block of S. Langley on Wednesday and Friday, and the 13100 block of S. St Lawrence last Sunday.
The offenders have been described as 1-3 African American males, believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25. They were last seen wearing all-black clothing, hooded sweatshirts, and black ski masks. The police are seeking assistance from the public to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these crimes.
Community members are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. Instructions provided by the Chicago Police stress the importance of staying calm if confronted and prioritize remembering any unique characteristics of the assailants, such as scars, a limp, or a distinctive set of teeth. The community alert advises against pursuing fleeing assailants and suggests preserving any available video surveillance.
