Residents and visitors to Garfield Park and Humboldt Park neighborhoods are on high alert as a series of robberies have hit the communities, triggering a warning from the Chicago Police Department. According to a community alert, the offending duo have been particularly brutal, focusing their attacks on unsuspecting individuals during the pre-dawn hours of July 8, utilizing their fists and feet in a violent barrage while simultaneously stripping the victims of their personal belongings.
The first incident occurred in the 200 block of S. Francisco at 5 a.m. in Garfield Park and mere minutes later, at 5:30 a.m., the assailants struck again in the 900 block of N. Homan in Humboldt Park. Vulnerable and caught off guard, the individuals found themselves under savage attack and robbed by two men who reportedly fled the scene in a white Toyota Camry. The descriptions provided paint a picture of two men: one identified as a Black/Hispanic male between the ages of 30-35, standing between 5'8" and 5'10", and weighing in at 190-210 lbs., with short black hair and a light brown complexion. His presumed accomplice is also a Black/Hispanic male, younger, ranging from 18-24 years old, shorter at 5'6"-5'8", and of a lighter frame between 150-170 lbs., discernible by his dreadlocks and a dark complexion.
In response to the reported crimes, the police have offered advice to the community. "Always be aware of the surroundings," they urge, recommending that personal safety remains the top priority over possessions when confronted by a potential robbery. They further suggest that any unique physical characteristics should be memorized, such as scars, limps, or distinctive dental work, and emphasize the importance of not pursuing fleeing assailants but rather to immediately contact law enforcement.
For those unfortunate enough to fall victim to such crimes, the police have given specific instructions: refrain from touching anything which may serve as evidence, and if approached by witnesses, gather contact information. An immediate call to 9-1-1 and, when possible, waiting for officers at the scene is strongly advised.
