(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — FBI agents are sounding the alarm about a masked crew behind a string of violent robberies in the Chicago suburbs and two other states.
The FBI Chicago Office says there have been a total of four incidents between July of 2023 and September of this year.
In each case, four masked suspects armed with assault rifles and hammers hold workers hostage while stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from display cases. Authorities describe the face coverings they wear as extremely distinctive Halloween masks
An initial robbery was reported last July at a Bridgeview jewelry shop. Then another Bridgeview location was hit by a masked group this January.
Between August and September, investigators say the suspects carried out similar robberies in Dearborn, Michigan and Winchester, Missouri.
Authorities say at least two of the incidents were captured on video.
A $15,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to any arrests. Suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.