A man with a knife has robbed two Irving Park businesses in just over a week, Chicago police say, slipping behind store counters, threatening workers and grabbing cash before taking off in a getaway SUV. The holdups happened in the 2900 block of West Addison and at a 7-Eleven on North Kimball, and detectives have now shared surveillance details and a vehicle description as they canvas the neighborhood for clues.
How the holdups unfolded, according to police
Investigators say the robber walks into a store, heads behind the counter, threatens employees with a knife and then cleans out the register, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The station reports the first incident happened around 8:21 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the 2900 block of West Addison. The second hit came just after 3:45 a.m. on Feb. 13 in the 4300 block of North Kimball.
Surveillance video captures Kimball 7-Eleven robbery
CBS Chicago reports the Feb. 13 robbery began when a 7-Eleven employee opened the door for a man who then shoved his way in carrying a knife. The robber took a little more than $100 and bolted, the station says. Surveillance video recorded both his entry and his escape in a blue SUV. No arrests had been announced as Area Five detectives continue to work the case.
What police say the suspect looks like
Police have described the suspect as a white or Hispanic man, about 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-11 and 200 to 210 pounds, wearing a black knit hat, black face mask, brown plaid coat and blue jeans, according to FOX 32 Chicago. He was seen driving a 2020 blue Honda CR-V. Detectives with the Bureau of Detectives - Area Five are asking neighbors and businesses along the Irving Park commercial strip to check their security cameras for any sign of the man or the SUV.
How neighbors and shop owners can help investigators
The Chicago Police Department’s community-alert guidance urges business owners to keep surveillance systems in working order, hang on to any relevant footage and call police instead of confronting suspects. Community alerts on the CPD site stress that saved video and fast tips often make the difference in identifying and charging offenders, and detectives want anyone who has footage to share it with investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Detectives - Area Five at 312-746-7384 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference number P26-5-003.
