Chicago residents in several neighborhoods are on high alert following a series of aggressive crimes. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, detailed on their website, there have been reports of aggravated vehicular hijackings and an armed robbery within the Auburn Gresham, Goose Island, Grand Crossing, South Chicago, and West Town areas.
The CPD alert specifies that the incidents involve 4-5 male suspects, ranging in age from 16-25, wearing dark colored clothing and ski masks. These assailants have been using a stolen white Hyundai Elantra and a white Kia sedan to approach their victims. Victims reported being confronted with black handguns and forced to surrender their property and vehicles under threat. Notably, in one of the additional incidents, the offenders took the victims' property before fleeing in their already stolen vehicle.
These crimes occurred in the early morning hours or late at night, with incident locations including the 1900 block of East 80th St and the 1500 block of North Kingsbury St on January 3rd, as well as several others up to January 7th. The police are urging anyone who might have information or who might have witnessed these crimes to come forward with any details that could assist in the investigation.
Community members are advised to prioritize personal safety over property, avoiding resistance during a robbery attempt. "Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide the information to the police," the CPD community alert warns. Residents should also be mindful of not touching anything at the crime scene until police arrive, to preserve any potential evidence. If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information and dial 9-1-1 to report the situation immediately.
