In a troubling escalation of crime, Chicago has recently witnessed a series of armed robberies that have left residents on edge. On Wednesday morning, a stark reminder of this crime wave unfolded with five robberies marking the latest in a series that stretches back over the past month.
Among the victims was a young woman in Little Village who found herself confronted by three armed individuals. According to police, a similar incident occurred nearby, where another man was not only robbed but also forced into a vehicle, underscoring the violent nature of these attacks.
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The 20-year-old woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her harrowing experience. She recounted how, at approximately 2 a.m., she was dropping someone off near 30th Street and Komensky Avenue when a vehicle abruptly blocked her path. The swiftness of the encounter left her stunned.
“As I was about to drive away, a car appeared out of nowhere, cutting me off with alarming speed,” she recalled, her voice still tinged with disbelief.
Faced with three armed strangers, she did not resist, fearing for her safety. Despite her compliance, the assailants threatened to abduct her.
“They ordered me to turn around, and then they sped away,” she recounted. “I ran inside, grateful that the situation didn’t escalate further. Ultimately, money is replaceable. What truly matters is that I’m safe.”
A similar crime happened about 20 minutes later, in the 2700-block of South St. Louis Avenue.
Police said a 34-year-old man said he was outside when a sedan approached.
Three armed male suspects got out and forced him into the sedan and drove the victim to multiple ATMs, police said.
The robbers were unable to withdraw money from the ATM, but stole the victim’s belongings and left him in the sedan in the 1000-block of North St. Louis Avenue, police said.
The suspects entered a gray car and drove south.
Twenty Second Ward Alderman Mike Rodriguez said he’s been working with CPD to find the suspects, as he says these armed robberies are getting out of hand.
“We have at least one crew out there who thinks the can get away with illegal activity. I’ve got a message for them: The community will not stand for that. They will be brought to justice; they need to stop these heinous acts that’s terrorizing our community,” Alderman Rodriguez said. “Some years ago, we had a string of these armed robberies. And with the help of the sheriff’s office, we were able to end that. But sadly it’s back.”
Neither victim suffered any serious injuries, and police have no one in custody at this time.
The crimes are part of an armed robberies spree over the last month, Chicago police said.
In each case, two to four suspects, wearing all black or dark-colored clothing and ski masks, get out of a stolen vehicle and flash guns at victims before robbing them, police said.
Some victims have been pistol-whipped, CPD said.
The suspects are described as 18 to 30 years old.
Police are urging people to report anything they may see. And if you ever find yourself in the situation of a robbery, they say it’s critical to comply and not fight or chase after the suspects.
The crimes took place at the following times and locations:
– 2700-block of South Avers Avenue at 3:05 a.m. Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 3700-block of West 25th Street at 3:10 a.m. Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 4000-block of West 26th Street at 3:15 a.m. Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 3100-block of South Springfield Avenue at 3:16 a.m. Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 3800-block of West 32nd Street at 3:17 a.m. Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 3100-block of South Harding Avenue at 3:30 a.m. Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 2300-block of South Pulaski Road at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 1 (South Lawndale)
– 2100-block of North Kostner Avenue at 3:30 a.m. Nov. 1 (Hermosa)
– 1900-block of North Kostner at 3:30 a.m. Nov. 1 (Hermosa)
– 4400-block of West Armitage Avenue at 3:45 a.m. on Nov. 1 (Hermosa)
– 4200-block of West Wabansia Avenue at 2:30 a.m. Nov. 18 (Humboldt Park)
– 4200-block of West Grand Avenue at 2:45 a.m. Nov. 18 (Humboldt Park)
– 1500-block of North Karlov Avenue at 2:51 a.m. on Nov. 18 (Humboldt Park)
– 2000-block of West Cermak Road at 3:05 a.m. on Nov. 18 (Lower West Side)
– 3000-block of West Cermak Road at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 18 (Marshall Square)
– 3600-block of West Fullerton Avenue at 4 a.m. on Nov. 18 (Logan Square)
– 1900-block of South Pulaski Road at 4:15 a.m. Nov. 18 (North Lawndale)
– 2600-block of South Kildare Avenue at 4:20 a.m. on Nov. 18 (South Lawndale)
– 4300-block of West 26th Street at 4:20 a.m. on Nov. 18 (South Lawndale)
– 4300-block of West 26th at 4:20 a.m. Nov. 18 (South Lawndale)
– 4100-block of West Ogden Avenue at 4:20 a.m. Nov. 18 (North Lawndale)
– 1300-block of North Pulaski at 4:30 a.m. Nov. 18 (Humboldt Park)
– 1300-block of North Pulaski at 4:33 a.m. Nov. 18 (Humboldt Park)
– 2700-block of South St. Louis Avenue at 2 a.m. on Nov. 19 (South Lawndale)
– 2700-block of South Komensky Avenue at 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 19 (South Lawndale)
– 4100-block of West 26th Street at 2:29 a.m. on Nov. 19 (South Lawndale)
– 3000-block of South Komensky at 2:35 a.m. on Nov. 19 (South Lawndale)
– 1700-block of North Keeler Avenue at 3:15 a.m. on Nov. 19 (Humboldt Park)
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